Let the trading begin.
It’s been another offseason of movement in the NFL, and the next big shift is just around the corner. The top of 2024 NFL Draft order remains unchanged for now (aside from Chicago holding Carolina’s pick at No. 1), but it won’t be for long. With the first round now less than three weeks away, the biggest remaining pre-draft mystery centers on which teams have what it takes to move up for their next quarterback — and how high they’ll be willing to go.
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Two months ago, I published a three-round mock draft without trades. Today, we’re back with another three-rounder, and we are trading. Let’s get into it.
(Note: An asterisk indicates a trade for the purposes of this mock.)
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1. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Another new era in Chicago begins, this time with the best playmaker in the draft. Williams comes with his quirks and a pretty unique personality — but he’s even more unique on the field. A big day for the Bears.
2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Maye is still growing as a passer, particularly in his consistency processing from the pocket. When you stack him up next to Jayden Daniels, though, Maye’s strengths are stronger and the weaknesses are similar. This will be a preference decision for Adam Peters and the Washington front office. For me, Maye is QB2.
3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
If I’m New England, I’m trying to get out of this pick. However, Robert Kraft wants a quarterback — one he can market — and it doesn’t seem like he’d be willing to wait. Daniels has improved as much as any player in this class over the last two years, and he has rare dual-threat capability.
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4. Minnesota Vikings (from ARI)*: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Projected trade: Minnesota trades No. 11, No. 23 and a 2025 first-round pick to Arizona for No. 4
The first trade in our mock is the one everyone’s sort of waiting on — Minnesota clearly didn’t make all these moves to sit at No. 11. The Vikings need a QB. The only question is how high they’re willing to move up for one. Daniels doesn’t rank among my top 10 prospects this draft; McCarthy isn’t in my top 15. But the market is the market.
5. Atlanta Falcons (from LAC)*: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Projected trade: Atlanta trades No. 8, No. 43 and a 2025 mid-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for No. 5
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The Falcons got off the pot and spent big to pair an experienced (and aging) Kirk Cousins with a young, talented roster. Why not be aggressive here and get Cousins the best non-QB in the draft?
6. Chicago Bears (from NYG)*: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Projected trade: Chicago trades No. 9, No. 75 and a 2025 mid-round pick to the New York Giants for No. 6
It’s certainly possible Chicago can wait at No. 9 and still get one of these receivers for Williams. But it’s also possible the Bears will feel like they have to move up. Nabers, Harrison or Rome Odunze might be way too tempting to pass on in this situation.
100% true. Nabers has been viewed as WR1 for several teams since the season. And that says more about Nabers than anything else – he's a special talent. https://t.co/QEQ2tqZDqs
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 18, 2024
7. Tennessee Titans: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The prudent selection here might be tackle. However, new GM Ran Carthon spent some time this winter talking about adding speed and explosion — a wise focus given that the Titans don’t have much of either. Odunze is too good to pass on here.
8. Los Angeles Chargers (from ATL)*: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
If a Jim Harbaugh offense doesn’t have a formidable front, it’s going nowhere. The Chargers need receivers, to be sure, but Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman also need studs up front like Alt. Also, remember how deep this WR class is.
9. New York Giants (from CHI)*: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
If the Giants want to be aggressive and add a young QB this year, that’s fine. However, the new guy would have the same problem Daniel Jones has: There’s not enough help. New York needs to build out the roster, and Bowers would be a great place to start.
10. New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
If Bowers falls this far, pairing the Georgia star with Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson might be tempting. In this case, though, even with their recent free-agent signings, the Jets still need long-term security up front.
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11. Arizona Cardinals (from MIN)*: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The first defender off the board comes 11 picks in, and it just happens to be my favorite corner in this class. Arnold is a complete defender, in terms of his versatility and willingness to do anything. He can recover, press, hit and diagnose.
12. Los Angeles Rams (from DEN)*: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Projected trade: Los Angeles Rams trade No. 19 and No. 52 to Denver for No. 12
Potential win-win with this projected trade: Denver needs more draft picks and the Rams really need more help off the edge. Los Angeles might be able to sit at 19 and still find a quality edge, but Turner is the No. 1 option in the class.
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13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
It’s hard for me to see the Raiders having enough to make a move up into the top five for a quarterback, and they actually feel like a possible trade-down candidate. However, Fuaga would be a perfect way to kick off the now-official Antonio Pierce era.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)*: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Projected trade: Philadelphia trades No. 22 and No. 50 to New Orleans for No. 14
C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s back in Philly, but the Eagles still need help at corner. If either Mitchell or Arnold falls, Philadelphia has the assets to make sure it can land a starter in Round 1. Mitchell, a spectacular athlete and high-character presence, qualifies.
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15. Indianapolis Colts: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
Corner is a more pressing need for the Colts — but if the top two are gone, the second-best edge would be a fine consolation prize. The Colts are still deciding on Kwity Paye’s fifth-year option, and Verse’s traits will definitely intrigue Chris Ballard. Wide receiver is another possibility here.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The Seahawks stay local and snag an outstanding college tackle who could be an outstanding NFL guard. But Fautanu absolutely is long and athletic enough to play tackle in the NFL. Love this fit.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Jacksonville’s in a pretty good spot here and could go a few different ways, like WR Brian Thomas Jr. or, perhaps, corner. But even after adding Arik Armstead, the Jags could still use some explosion up the middle. Murphy definitely offers that.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Murphy could be an option here, too, to help Cincinnati replace D.J. Reader. In Wiggins, though, the Bengals could nab one of the fastest players in the draft. Still just 20 years old, Wiggins has huge potential as an outside CB.
Clemson CB Nate Wiggins has the goods.
– Quiet, controlled feet
– Fluid transition at the break
– Reacts to route w/ zero panic
– Attacks the receiver's leverage pic.twitter.com/syQG35lyE5— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 14, 2023
19. Denver Broncos (from LV)*: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
The Broncos really need a quarterback. The Sean Payton plan will go nowhere without one. And though this might be too high for Nix, I’m still sending him to Payton. Denver trades down, gets a QB and acquires extra capital — tough to beat that.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
This would be terrific value for Pittsburgh, although the range on Latham will be interesting. The 342-pound, 21-year-old prospect has mountains of potential as a run-blocking tackle or guard. He still some pass-pro consistency issues to iron out, though.
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21. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Barton is one of my favorite players in the class. He started at center as a true freshman before transitioning to be an All-American left tackle — and he’s also a capable guard. Miami needs interior O-line help, and Barton could provide it in multiple spots.
22. New Orleans Saints (from PHI)*: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
One of the freakiest athletes in this draft, Mims is a house on wheels and could blossom into a dominant presence on either side of the line. He only started eight games in college, though, and missed time last year with an injury.
23. Arizona Cardinals (from MIN via HOU/CLE)*: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Another player who might have a decent range on draft night — Thomas easily could hear his name called in the teens, but he might have to wait until around this spot. Nabers’ running mate is big and explosive with 4.33 speed at 6-foot-3, 209 pounds. Kyler Murray would be in for this pick.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Guyton’s not far behind Mims on the “athletic freak” scale. He carries some similar consistency concerns, as well, but Guyton has the profile of a giant tight end — a good tight end, not a slow one.
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25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Can DeJean play outside corner? Maybe, depending on the scheme and situation. Can he play safety? Absolutely, yes. DeJean is a versatile nickel with high-level return skills, and he’d fill a need for Green Bay.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
It’s very possible a team could fall in love with Latu’s combination of production and pass-rush refinement and jump up on him in the early 20s (maybe even the teens). Given his length, injury and speed concerns, it’s also possible he slides a bit — and Tampa Bay could reap the benefits.
27. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU): Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
The Cardinals could trade one of these picks — remember, we now have them holding three first-round selections after the early swap with Minnesota. They also could move back up. No one has more draft capital than Arizona (with or without our projected trade), and it’s not really that close. The Cardinals have a big-time chance to make a jump this spring.
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28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
It sort of felt like receiver might be the choice here even before the Bills traded Stefon Diggs. There is rawness to Mitchell’s game, but he’s an exceptional athlete with elite burst, second-level speed and general playmaking ability.
29. Detroit Lions: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Lions Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow turns 28 in May, and he’s been very banged up the last few years. Plus, Detroit’s in the market for a guard today. Powers-Johnson could be the team’s future center while filling an immediate need on the depth chart.
#Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson shows a smaller gentleman where the exits are located. pic.twitter.com/XOsumMIVt8
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) February 7, 2024
30. Baltimore Ravens: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Baltimore could go a few different ways here, including tackle or receiver. But the Ravens have gaps to fill in the secondary, and McKinstry is a long, rangy prospect who’s ready to start in the NFL.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The 49ers could get some help for their offensive line, in the form of a versatile tackle/guard who can offer immediate help as a run blocker while he continues to improve in pass pro.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
This doesn’t feel fair. The Chiefs need a tackle, sure, but giving Patrick Mahomes the most QB-friendly receiver in this draft could be a whole lot of fun.
Round 2
33. Carolina Panthers: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Bryce Young needs help up front … and everywhere else. Worthy is the fastest player in this draft. Despite the concerns about his size, his playmaking ability in open space (and as a returner) is undeniable.
34. New England Patriots: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
35. Arizona Cardinals: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
36. Washington Commanders: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
37. Los Angeles Chargers: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
38. Tennessee Titans: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
39. Carolina Panthers (from NYG): Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
40. Washington Commanders (from CHI): Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
41. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ): Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State
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42. Houston Texans (from MIN): Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
The Texans have done an outstanding job bringing in young talent the last two years, and they just added Diggs. The present and future looks pretty bright for Houston, which could add a hard-charging and uber-athletic interior rusher here.
43. Los Angeles Chargers (from ATL)*: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
By trading down, the Chargers not only could find a way to address multiple offensive-line needs (that Frazier pick at 37 would be huge if Corey Linsley retires), but they’d still be able to find a wide receiver for Justin Herbert. In this case, a giant, athletic receiver who can jump out of the building.
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44. Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Penix is QB6 here, and this might be too low on the board. The Raiders (or some other QB-needy team) may have to move up for him. Still, there are questions with Penix’s game — like his accuracy, age and injury history — that are very real.
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45. New Orleans Saints (from DEN): Kris Jenkins Jr., DT, Michigan
46. Indianapolis Colts: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
47. New York Giants (from SEA): Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
49. Cincinnati Bengals: T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
50. New Orleans Saints (from PHI): Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
52. Denver Broncos (from LAR)*: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
54. Cleveland Browns: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
At long last, the Browns will be back in the first round next year. Meantime, Cleveland should have the option to take advantage of this receiver class at 54 or find the next-best offensive tackle. Corley’s value extends beyond pass catching — his yards-after-catch potential makes him a possible run-game factor, too.
Malachi Corley says get off me. @WKUFootball pic.twitter.com/i68q8z4UbX
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) January 30, 2024
55. Miami Dolphins: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
56. Dallas Cowboys: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
58. Green Bay Packers: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
59. Houston Texas: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
60. Buffalo Bills: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
61. Detroit Lions: Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
62. Baltimore Ravens: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
63. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon
64. Kansas City Chiefs: Mike Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
Round 3
65. Carolina Panthers: Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
66. Arizona Cardinals: Christian Haynes, G, Connecticut
67. Washington Commanders: Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State
68. New England Patriots: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State
70. New York Giants: Dez Walker, WR, North Carolina
71. Arizona Cardinals (from TEN): Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan
72. New York Jets: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
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73. Detroit Lions (from MIN): Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
The Lions added cornerback help in free agency, but — as is the case with the their edge depth — they could still use more. Phillip is a high-motor, high-character, physical corner with a lot of burst and athleticism.
74. Atlanta Falcons: Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama
75. New York Giants (from CHI)*: Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College
76. Denver Broncos: Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
78. Washington Commanders (from SEA): Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington
79. Atlanta Falcons (from JAX): Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Brenden Rice, WR, USC
81. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN/NO): Jonah Elliss, Edge, Utah
82. Indianapolis Colts: Calen Bullock, S, USC
83. Los Angeles Rams: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State
85. Cleveland Browns: Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas
• Miami Dolphins (selection forfeited)
86. Houston Texans (from PHI): Mason McCormick, OL, South Dakota State
87. Dallas Cowboys: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
88. Green Bay Packers: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Javon Baker, WR, UCF
90. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU): Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB, Louisville
91. Green Bay Packers (from BUF): Jaylen Wright, RB, Texas
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DET): Austin Booker, Edge, Kansas
93. Baltimore Ravens: Garrett Greenfield, OL, South Dakota State
94. San Francisco 49ers: Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Tylan Grable, OT, UCF
96. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
97. Cincinnati Bengals: Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
98. Pittsburgh Steelers (from PHI): Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
99. Los Angeles Rams: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
Matthew Stafford is 36 with three years left on his deal, and the team has an out after the 2025 season. He looked like his old self throughout much of last year, but a talented developmental option could really benefit from some time under Stafford’s wing.
100. Washington Commanders: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
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(Illustration: Sean Reilly / The Athletic; Photos of Terrion Arnold, Drake Maye and Brian Thomas Jr.: Grant Halverson, Michael Chang / Getty Images; Cliff Welch / Icon Sportwire via Getty Images)
