Josh Frey’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft (1.0): 4 QBs Get Selected, Vikings Snatch a Pass Rusher

Oct 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Arizona Wildcats during the first overtime at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Well, the 2023 NFL season is officially in the books with Super Bowl LVIII taking place this weekend.

As a result, the 2024 NFL offseason is now in full swing, and with that, it’s time for my first 2024 NFL mock draft of the year. In this first rendition, we’re keeping things simple without any trades. As a result, there are four QBs taken, including three in the first three selections, and the Minnesota Vikings snatch a powerful pass rusher with the 11th overall pick.

1. Chicago Bears: QB Caleb Williams

Nov 11, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) scores a touchdown during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like the Bears are going to try to move off of Justin Fields this offseason and reset the clock at the QB position. If they do that, Caleb Williams is the obvious selection for Chicago as they try to improve their passing offense and keep up with the rest of the NFC North.

Caleb Williams scouting report

2. Washington Commanders: 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

The Commanders shouldn’t go into the 2024 season relying on Sam Howell as their starting QB when this type of talent is on the board. They go ahead and land Drake Maye to take over as their quarterback.

Drake Maye scouting report

3. New England Patriots: QB Jayden Daniels

Oct 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates a touchdown against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a fresh start in New England. Bill Belichick is no longer the head coach, and Jerod Mayo is ringing in a new era of Patriots football. The defense is a very strong unit, but they need a quarterback to lead the way. Jayden Daniels can be that guy.

Jayden Daniels scouting report

4. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

Ohio State Buckeyes
Dec 31, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter of the 2022 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals have committed to Kyler Murray as their QB, but they need to get him more talented pass catchers. They let go of Zach Ertz, and Marquise Brown is set to hit free agency in March. Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the most talented WR prospects of the past few years, and he should be an immediate star in Arizona’s offense.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Brock Bowers

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama at Lucas Oil Stadium on Jan. 10, 2022, in Indianapolis.

The Chargers could take a receiver here, but they have a history of loving athletic tight ends. Brock Bowers is one of the best prospects at the position that we’ve ever seen, and if there weren’t so many talented QBs at the top of this draft, he would have the potential to be the highest selected TE in NFL history. Instead, Los Angeles lands him here at No. 5.

6. New York Giants: 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 Giants have their left tackle spot situated with Andrew Thomas, but they haven’t gotten the same success with Evan Neal over the past two years at right tackle. As a result, they land Taliese Fuaga, who played right tackle throughout his three seasons at Oregon State, and they can play with the idea of kicking Neal inside to guard.

7. Tennessee Titans: OT Joe Alt

Oct 28, 2023; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) leaves the field following the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee desperately needs some help at their tackle spots right now. While Dillon Radunz looks like a promising player at the right tackle spot, things have not been nearly as successful on the left side. Joe Alt fills that need creating a young duo on the left side of the o-line alongside Peter Skoronski.

8. Atlanta Falcons: 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 could be a team looking to trade up for a QB, but we’re not conducting trades in this first mock. Atlanta loves finding uber-athletic playmakers in the first round, and they land another one for their defense in Dallas Turner.

9. Chicago Bears: WR Malik Nabers

Malik Nabers 8 runs the ball during the LSU Tigers Spring Game at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY NETWORK. Saturday, April 22, 2023.

This would be a dream scenario for the Chicago Bears. After landing Caleb Williams with the first pick, they get another great wide receiver to pair with D.J. Moore and Darnell Mooney. Malik Nabers is a very smooth route runner and can beat defenses downfield.

10. New York Jets: OT Olu Fashanu

Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu (74) gets set before a play against West Virginia at Beaver Stadium September 2, 2023, in State College. Mandatory Credit: Dan Rainville/York Daily Record.

The New York Jets have major problems at the tackle spots. Mekhi Becton was finally healthy for the 2023 season, but his play took dramatic steps backwards. With the left tackle now set to hit free agency, New York takes a stab at another young tackle prospect in Olu Fashanu.

11. Minnesota Vikings: EDGE Laiatu Latu

Sep 9, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) battles against San Diego State Aztecs tight end Mark Redman (81) during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

There are a multitude of different directions that the Minnesota Vikings could take in the first round when April arrives. For now, we’ll assume that Kirk Cousins is back in a purple jersey for the 2024 season, allowing Minnesota to put their focus on the defensive side of the ball. With that pick, they snatch a very technically sound pass rusher in Laiatu Latu.

Laiatu Latu scouting report

12. Denver Broncos: QB J.J. McCarthy

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws a pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the Broncos most likely looking to move on from Russell Wilson, the quarterback position will be of the utmost importance for Denver this offseason. Sean Payton gets a young playmaker at the position in J.J. McCarthy.

J.J. McCarthy scouting report

13. Las Vegas Raiders: CB Quinyon Mitchell

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. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Quinyon Mitchell put together a fantastic week at the Senior Bowl, which should vault him near the top of the board at the CB position. The Raiders need help in their secondary to complement their pass rushing duo of Maxx Crosby and Tyree Wilson, and Mitchell can be that lockdown presence at the cornerback spot.

Quinyon Mitchell scouting report

14. New Orleans Saints: EDGE Jared Verse

Oct 14, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jared Verse (5) against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints may be in a spot to trade down, but if Jared Verse is available here at 14, they should pounce on this opportunity. New Orleans has loved taking imposing, physical presences off the edge in the past, and they do so again here.

Jared Verse scouting report

15. Indianapolis Colts: WR Rome Odunze

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts could use an influx of young talent at the receiver spot with Michael Pittman and Isaiah McKenzie hitting free agency. Rome Odunze is a less complete prospect than Harrison or Nabers at the top of the class, but he is still a silky smooth route runner who can create plays after the catch. This is a great weapon to pair with Anthony Richardson in 2024.

16. Seattle Seahawks: 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

Seattle has done a great job of building their secondary through the draft in recent years, and now it’s time for their attention to turn towards the trenches. An o-lineman certainly could be in play here, but that could be in play for them in the second day as well. What may not be in play is an immediate playmaker at defensive tackle, so they take Jer’Zhan Newton here to provide some pass rushing presence along the interior of their defensive line.

Jer’Zhan Newton scouting report

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Terrion Arnold

Sep 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Terrion Arnold (3) carries the ball after an interception against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half of a football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars have a decent number of bodies in their secondary, but that could very easily change in 2025 with a number of players slated to hit free agency. Regardless, Jacksonville struggled in pass coverage throughout the 2023 season, so a versatile player like Terrion Arnold would be a great fit for the Jaguars.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: OT JC Latham

Sep 30, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) celebrates with a cow bell in Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University. Alabama defeated Mississippi State 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

Wide receiver could become a need for Cincinnati, but they still have the opportunity to franchise tag Tee Higgins while hoping for further growth from Andrei Iosivas in 2024. They do need to find a right tackle to play opposite Orlando Brown, though, and JC Latham is precisely that type of plug-and-play prospect at 6’6″ and 335 pounds.

19. Los Angeles Rams: CB Nate Wiggins

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. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Cobie Durant is the only cornerback currently under contract with the Rams who started games during the 2023 season. Los Angeles needs to fill holes in their secondary for 2024, and Nate Wiggins is a very physical corner who blankets receivers with his 6’2″ frame.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Cooper DeJean

Oct 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) reacts during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh nailed the selection of Joey Porter in the second round last season, and they continue to build up their secondary here. Cooper DeJean is a terrific prospect at the cornerback spot with elite size and length who can play either in the slot or on the boundary.

21. Miami Dolphins: 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

Offensive tackle could be a question as Terron Armstead gets older, but the Dolphins desperately need help on the interior of their offensive line. Jackson Powers-Johnson can be a foundation for newfound success in that area by taking over the center position.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

Oct 21, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) defends on a pass intended for Tennessee wide receiver Kaleb Webb (80) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Tennessee 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles saw drastic decline on the defensive side of the ball down the stretch of the 2023 season, and age at the cornerback position is becoming a concern. Philadelphia has typically targeted Georgia defenders, but this time around, they take an Alabama defensive back in Kool-Aid McKinstry who is capable of playing all over the field.

23. Houston Texans: WR Brian Thomas

Mock Draft
Oct 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) smiles during the first half against the Army Black Knights at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans might sprint this pick to the podium. Brian Thomas has been an elite deep threat in the LSU offense and has the size to overpower opposing cornerbacks in the short and intermediate portions of the field. Pairing Thomas with Nico Collins and Tank Dell gives the Texans a fantastic young trio of receivers for C.J. Stroud.

24. Dallas Cowboys: 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

Tyron Smith was able to remain healthy for most of the 2023 season, but his injury history should be cause for concern at 33 years old. As a result, Dallas takes a shot on Tyler Guyton to become his potential replacement.

25. Green Bay Packers: OT Amarius Mims

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. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Health is never a certainty with All-Pro tackle David Bakhtiari anymore, and at the very least, the Packers could use a more solid option at the right tackle position as well. Amarius Mims did not get a ton of playing time at Georgia (only eight career starts), but when he was on the field, he was an overpowering presence with a rare combination of size, strength, and athletic ability.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Keon Coleman

Nov 18, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) celebrates a touchdown against the North Alabama Lions during the third quarter at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay may be running it back with Baker Mayfield at the QB spot, but they might be in need of new receiving talent around him if they are to continue to find success in 2024. Mike Evans is entering free agency, and unless the Buccaneers want to throw a large contract at the 30-year-old receiver, Keon Coleman could serve as a solid replacement option.

27. Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Bralen Trice

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive end Bralen Trice (8) celebrates a play in the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Sara Diggins/American-Statesman-USA TODAY Sports

After landing a fantastic wide receiver in Harrison, the Cardinals turn their attention to the defense with their second selection. J.J. Watt retired following the 2022 season, and they never found a great replacement for him off the edge. Bralen Trice totaled 80 pressures this past season and should be able to help revitalize Arizona’s pass rush.

28. Buffalo Bills: DT Byron 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 Buffalo Bills will have to completely rebuild their defensive line this offseason, especially considering Von Miller’s age and lack of health over the past couple seasons. Buffalo lands a powerful pass rushing presence at the defensive tackle spot in Byron Murphy to place next to Ed Oliver.

29. Detroit Lions: CB Ennis Rakestraw

Nov 4, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Rara Thomas (5) is tackled by Missouri Tigers defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions have nailed draft picks in recent years, but they could certainly use more help in their secondary if they want to replicate the type of success that they found in 2023. Ennis Rakestraw has played a huge role in Missouri’s rise as a collegiate program over the past couple years, and his physical playstyle in coverage will fit right into Detroit’s locker room.

30. Baltimore Ravens: WR Adonai Mitchell

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) catches a touchdown pass against Washington Huskies running back Ryder Bumgarner (25) during the fourth quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens got a solid season out of Odell Beckham Jr., but they need to continue surrounding Lamar Jackson with young receiving talent. Adonai Mitchell had a fantastic season after transferring to Texas from Georgia, and his versatility to play all over the field would be a benefit to Baltimore.

31. San Francisco 49ers: OT Troy Fautanu

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) 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 49ers have questions on the offensive line this offseason. Their right tackle spot is an obvious need, but left tackle could become one as well depending on what happens with Trent Williams. Troy Fautanu is a smaller player at the tackle position, but his elite athleticism and power in the trenches should make up for that lack of overall size.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Troy Franklin

Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin celebrates a touchdown as the No. 6 Oregon Ducks take on the No. 16 Oregon State Beavers Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.

Once again, Patrick Mahomes was able to make a less than average receiving group work just enough in order to win a Super Bowl. However, receiver should be near the top of Kansas City’s priorities this offseason. Troy Franklin is a burner with sure hands who will allow Mahomes to stretch the field in 2024.

Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Focus, Pro Football Reference, and Spotrac helped with this article.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.