The “crazy season” portion of the NFL offseason is upon us! It began with the NFL Combine this weekend, which will quickly turn into the start of free agency next week. After that, the pro day circuit begins, and the NFL Draft will be here before we know it.
Looking ahead, the Combine helped set the tone for the weeks to come in two major ways. One – there’s now much more information on the prospects in this year’s NFL Draft up and down the board. That helps formulate projections.
On top of that, the rumor mill that is the Combine certainly was churning last week. With free agency still a week away, it allowed some foundation to make further assumptions about what teams will do in the coming weeks.
Working from that information, we have a decent idea of where things stand before the big-time decisions start to happen. With that, let’s kick off the week will our first full NFL Mock Draft of the season, to set the table for what’s to come.
After strong showings from both positions at the Combine, nearly half of the first round is made up of just wide receivers (eight total) and tackles (seven total). The Patriots are among the teams taking advantage of one of those groups, making a trade to give themselves two selections in the first round.
Note: Trades referenced were made for this mock specifically. Previously completed trades are not detailed.
1. Bears: QB Caleb Williams, USC
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)
Sure, there was some rumblings last week about Jayden Daniels potentially climbing to the top spot in the draft. Still, a lower quarterback getting floated as QB1 right around the Combine happens almost every year, and that rumor ends up materializing. Williams still looks to comfortably be the best quarterback in this draft, and everything the Bears have done to this point seems to indicate they plan on taking him. If they don’t, somebody else will in this spot after a trade.
2. Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
2. Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
Oct 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to pass against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
The Daniels hype doesn’t feel real enough to get him to first overall, but it does feel real. There’s a lot to like about the 2023 Heisman Winner – especially if you’re new Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury’s offense emphasizes many of Daniels’ best traits. Given that influence, the Commanders make him the second pick.
3. New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye, UNC
3. New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye, UNC
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after a North Carolina Tar Heels touchdown in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
We had the Patriots taking Maye with the third overall pick in our first Patriots mock draft of the year, and nothing since then has presented any reason to change that projection. If anything, it only seems to be more likely after both local and national reports out of Indy indicated that’s the way the Patriots are leaning (although some did indicate the team still hasn’t ultimately made a decision, as is expected).
If Maye ends up going second, they’d still likely take Daniels third and adjust as needed. There’s enough in common between the two that a general plan for the offseason should work for both.
While we have the Patriots making the same pick as our last draft, this mock does have a change. The Patriots have another first-round pick coming, so stick around…
4. Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
4. Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 23: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 23, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Cardinals need…a lot. They could certainly auction this pick off and get a haul to load up, but they already have two first-round picks this year. Instead they just take Harrison and add a blue-chip player to their offense as they try to maximize Kyler Murray’s value.
5. Jets (from Chargers): OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
5. Jets (from Chargers): OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – APRIL 22: Joe Alt #76 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on during the Notre Dame Blue-Gold Spring Football Game at Notre Dame Stadium on April 22, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Jets get:
— 5th overall pick
— 139th overall pick (5th round)Chargers get:
— 10th overall pick
— 72nd pick (3rd round)
— 2025 2nd round pickAfter getting jumped by the Steelers for a tackle last year and seeing the consequences, the Jets aren’t about to make the same mistake again. They get aggressive in moving up the board, and snag the top tackle in the draft to protect Aaron Rodgers’ blindside. In this trade the Jets overpay 521-483 to move up.
6. Giants: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
6. Giants: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 25: Malik Nabers #8 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball as Bryce Anderson #1 of the Texas A&M Aggies defends during the first half at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Missing out on the top three quarterbacks, the Giants might be a trade-down candidate to accumulate assets in case they need to move up for a QB next year. Instead though, the front office tries to maximize this team and help their job security by getting Daniel Jones a true No. 1 weapon in Nabers.
7. Titans: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
7. Titans: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 16: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs is tackled by Debo Williams #0 of the South Carolina Gamecocks at Sanford Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
With Derrick Henry expected to leave in free agency and DeAndre Hopkins entering his age-32 season, the Titans need another planet player to build their offense around. They add Bowers to fill that role, pairing him with Chig Okonkwo under new offensive coordinator Nick Holz. Holz was a member of the Jaguars last year, when they ranked sixth in the NFL in usage of 12 personnel.
8. Falcons: OLB Dallas Turner, Alabama
8. Falcons: OLB Dallas Turner, Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 23: Dallas Turner #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jordan Watkins #11 of the Mississippi Rebels during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Falcons have been linked to multiple veteran quarterbacks, so for now we’ll assume they’re not considering the position in the first round of this year’s draft. Instead, they make the first defensive pick of the draft, adding a projected elite pass rusher in Turner to a pass rush that ranked towards the bottom of the league in most major metrics last year.
9. Bears: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
9. Bears: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 23: Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies celebrates his touchdown during the first quarter against the California Golden Bears at Husky Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Bears get right to work putting weapons around Caleb Williams. Odunze is as well-rounded a receiver as you’ll see entering the NFL, and should be able to be a major contributor immediately. He’d be a great complement for D.J. Moore.
10. Saints (from Jets, via Chargers): OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
10. Saints (from Jets, via Chargers): OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 30: Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Ryan Field on September 30, 2023 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Saints get:
— 10th overall pick (see Pick 5 for original trade details)
Chargers get:
— 14th overall pick
— 149th overall pick (5th round)
— 2025 2nd round pick.Jim Harbaugh gets to LA and immediately the Chargers start thinking outside the box. They move down a second time, adding yet another future second-round pick. Given their cap situation, the Chargers need as much draft capital as possible. Meanwhile the Saints look to build on Derek Carr’s strong close to the 2023 season, and get him some much needed pass protection.
11. Vikings: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
11. Vikings: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 25: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines passes the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The league seems to be very high on McCarthy, so any team that wants him isn’t going to be able to wait around. Minnesota is a perfect fit for him, especially if they get Kirk Cousins back (something Kevin O’Connell spoke about on the NFL Combine broadcast this weekend) and can allow him to initially sit and develop behind the scenes.
12. Broncos: DE Jared Verse, Florida State
12. Broncos: DE Jared Verse, Florida State
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 4: Jared Verse #5 of the Florida State Seminoles rushes the pocket against Branson Taylor #78 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during the game at Acrisure Stadium on November 4, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
The Broncos miss out on McCarthy, and coming out of the Combine it just doesn’t sound like teams are eager to take Michael Penix in the first round (even if they really should be, especially after he cleared his medical testing). Instead of reaching on him or Nix the Broncos just take the best player available, and add a pass rusher in Verse with tremendous upside.
13. Raiders: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
13. Raiders: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 25: Rivaldo Fairweather #13 of the Auburn Tigers fails to pull in this reception as he is hit by Jihaad Campbell #30 and Terrion Arnold #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Raiders desperately need cornerback help. Here, they make Arnold the first player at the position off the board (this would be the longest stretch to start a draft without a cornerback since 2019, when Darnell Savage went 21st). No doubt, new head coach Antonio Pierce will appreciate the physicality Arnold brings to the cornerback position.
14. Chargers (from Saints): OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
14. Chargers (from Saints): OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Oct 28, 2023; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga #75 walks off the field against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports
It’s finally time for the Chargers to pick! Rashawn Slater has been an All-Pro left tackle for LA, but the right tackle spot in front of Justin Herbert remains a bit of a mess. To fix it they take Fuaga, a true right tackle who was extremely impressive at both the Senior Bowl and Combine.
See Pick 10 for trade details
15. Colts: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
15. Colts: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts’ cornerback room right now is mostly just project players. Adding a veteran in free agency would help, but likely won’t be enough to solve the whole problem. Plus, with significant money tied up on the offensive side of the ball (especially if they bring back Michael Pittman), they need affordable options at premium positions on defense. That brings them to Wiggins, who ran the fastest 40 of any cornerback and second-fastest of any player this weekend, at 4.28 seconds.
16. Seahawks: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
16. Seahawks: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 11: Laiatu Latu #15 of the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
First-year head coach Mike Macdonald comes from the defensive side of the ball, so an initial defensive upgrade makes sense. The best defensive player on the board at this point is Latu, who will add another dynamic to Seattle’s pass rush.
17. Jaguars: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
17. Jaguars: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Brian Thomas Jr. #11 of the LSU Tigers makes a catch during the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers at Raymond James Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
As Trevor Lawrence enters the final concrete year of his rookie deal, the Jaguars need to keep building out his supporting cast. Calvin Ridley leaving in free agency would only hammer home that point, but even if he does return more can be done for Jacksonville’s offense. Thomas would add a major explosive element and give Lawrence a big-body deep ball threat from the ‘X’ position.
18. Bengals: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Bengals learned last year what happens if they don’t keep Joe Burrow protected. With starting right tackle Jonah Williams expected to head to free agency, the Bengals replace him with Mims, who checked in at the Combine at 6-foot-7, 340 pounds before running a 5.07-second 40.
19. Rams: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Through every step of the pre-draft process so far, Mitchell has looked like a shutdown corner in-progress. The Rams get a player with a very high upside here to boost their pass defense.
20. Steelers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 14: Jackson Powers-Johnson #58 of the Oregon Ducks prepares for a snap against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Right now, the Steelers don’t have a clear starter at center in 2024 after cutting 2023 starter Mason Cole. If you want to run the ball (which the Steelers generally do), having a good center is crucial. Powers-Johnson is one of the better center prospects to come through the draft in recent years, and has some guard potential as well. This is a natural fit.
21. Cowboys (from Dolphins): DT Byron Murphy, Texas
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) sacks TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, November. 11, 2023, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman/USA TODAY Network)
Cowboys get:
— 21st overall pick
Dolphins get:
— 24th overall pick
— 125th overall pick (4th round)
— 2025 fourth-round pickLast year it cost the Bills the 130th pick to move up from 25 to 23, so we’re working along those lines while adding an additional future pick to compensate the one extra spot. The Cowboys have traditionally like athletic, three-down defensive tackles, and getting a second such player to play next to Johnathan Hankins would really help create way to free up Micah Parsons. That’s the exact kind of player they’re getting in Murphy, who likely will be happy he doesn’t have to move far.
22. Eagles: DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Oct 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles have major needs at both cornerback and safety. How about a player that projects to be able to play both spots at a high level? DeJean can become a true chess piece for new Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
23. Texans: WR AD Mitchell, Texas
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 28: Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Texas Longhorns catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter while defended by Raider Damuni #33 of the Brigham Young Cougars at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
The Texans got by last year without a true coverage-dictating wide receiver. Image what C.J. Stroud will be able to do with a 6-foot-2 receiver who ran a 4.34-second 40 and has a seemingly-unlimited catch radius? Building around Stroud should be the motto of the Texans’ offseason, and this move goes a long way in doing so.
24. Dolphins (from Cowboys): OT JC Latham, Alabama
Sep 4, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) blocks against the Miami Hurricanes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
This is a bit of a fall for Latham, but with so much tackle talent on the board somebody is going later than expected. He ends up with a Miami team that has three of last year’s starting offensive linemen heading to free agency, plus a left tackle in Terron Armstead who is contemplating retirement. Best offensive lineman on the board feels like a no-brainer.
25. Patriots (from Packers): OT Troy Fautanu, Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 23: Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in action against the California Golden Bears at Husky Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Patriots get:
— 25th overall pick
— 168th overall pick (5th round)Packers get
— 34th overall pick (2nd round)
— 68th overall pick (3rd round)During Eliot Wolf’s time with the Packers, they tended to target more athletic offensive linemen. Those are also the kinds of players that fit best in Alex Van Pelt’s scheme. Enter Fautanu, who tested very well at the Combine at 6-foot-4, 317 pounds. A two-year starter, Fautanu should come in ready to hit the ground rolling and be a real answer at one of the tackle spots (most likely left) in New England. Drafting Fautanu and re-signing Mike Onwenu would certainly qualify as the Patriots taking care of the position this offseason.
This trade is based on the one the Patriots made to move back in 2020 to get Kyle Dugger. With so many wide receivers showing out at the Combine, in this case the Patriots are comfortable giving up a top-100 pick, knowing there will be talent at the position early on Day 3. They could also use the fifth they’re getting back to pair with another pick to move back up at some point.
26. Buccaneers: OLB Chop Robinson, Penn State
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 30: Chop Robinson #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the quarterback against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Ryan Field on September 30, 2023 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Buccaneers’ pass rush has fallen off in recent years, and last year the team only had two players with more than five sacks on the season. Robinson should provide an instant boost in that regard.
27. Chiefs (from Cardinals): WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
AUSTIN, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 16: Xavier Worthy #1 of the Texas Longhorns scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Chiefs get:
— 27th overall pick
Cardinals get
— 32nd overall pick
— 133rd overall pick (4th round)
— 2025 fourth-round pickYeah, this is a scary combination. Worthy isn’t your typical 40-time star who is more of a track runner than a football player. He’s a legitimate route-runner who is incredibly dangerous after the catch, with a similar play style to Zay Flowers. He’s exactly what the Chiefs offense was missing last year. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Kansas City, always aggressive in the draft, move up and jump the receiver-needy Bills to get him. This trade is based on a 2022 deal between the Jaguars and Buccaneers.
28. Bills: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 23: Keon Coleman #4 of the Florida State Seminoles makes the game-winning catch against Jeadyn Lukus #10 of the Clemson Tigers in overtime at Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
The Bills’ pursuit of a second legitimate wide receiver to catch passes from Josh Allen continues, and time is ticking as Stefon Diggs enters his age 31 season. Coleman projects, at his ceiling, to be the kind of player the Bills hoped pending free agent Gabe Davis would become – a big-body, big-play downfield threat.
29. Lions: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Tennessee wide receiver Kaleb Webb (84) reaches for the ball while defended by Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) during a football game between Tennessee and Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel/USA TODAY Network)
The Lions had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL last year, allowing 6.7 passing yards per attempt. That ranked 29th in the NFL. They need somebody on the back end to cover receivers while Aidan Hutchinson does his thing. Lucky for them, they’re able to grab McKinstry after a run on wide receivers and tackles in the mid-20s causes him to slide a bit.
30. Ravens: WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 28: Ladd McConkey #84 of the Georgia Bulldogs scores a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Can the Ravens go 2-for-2 hitting on shifty YAC receivers after nailing the Zay Flowers pick last year? Unless they want to give Nelson Agholor a bigger role, receiver is a need for Baltimore once again. McConkey’s quickness would make him a tremendous fit in their offense. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him slip into the first round after a very impressive Combine.
31. 49ers: OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
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. Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Niners have a current need at right tackle and a future need at left tackle with Trent Williams entering his age-36 season. Guyton, who projects to be able to play both spots, would be the perfect answer for San Francisco if he falls this year. He could play right tackle in the short term, then move to left when Williams retires. At 6-foot-8, 322 pounds, he plays with a similar overpowering style to his fellow Sooner.
32. Cardinals (from Chiefs): QB Michael Penix, Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 11: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Washington Huskies passes against the Utah Utes during the second quarter at Husky Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
While the Cardinals are tied to Kyler Murray for this season due to his extreme cap number, getting out from under his deal becomes much easier in 2025. Plus, Murray’s injury history is significant – he hasn’t played a full season since 2020. So, with their second first-round pick, the Cardinals get creative. Worst-case scenario, they have a high-level backup for their big-money starter. If Penix shows enough, the Cardinals could potentially move on from Murray while having a starting QB on a rookie deal.
See pick 27 for trade details
