Welcome to Strike 7 Sports’ second edition of the 2024 NFL Mock Draft series. In this installment, we dive into the evolving storyline of this mock, where the teams at the top of this year’s draft are in dire need of a quarterback. The importance of finding the right quarterback cannot be overstated in the NFL, as they are the cornerstone for a franchise’s long-term success. A skilled quarterback can elevate a team to championship contention, while a misstep in quarterback selection can set a team back for years. In this mock draft, we witness a quarterback frenzy at the top, with four signal-callers coming off the board in the first round, including three within the first three picks.
Caleb Williams: Chicago Bears, QB/USC (1): With the first pick in the mock draft, the Chicago Bears select Caleb Williams, the quarterback from USC. Despite the rumors of potential trades, the Bears opt to stay put and address their longstanding need at the quarterback position. Throughout their storied history, the Bears have seen greatness at various positions, but they have yet to find a standout talent at quarterback. Caleb Williams presents an opportunity for Chicago to change that narrative and potentially establish a new era of excellence at the quarterback position. As a highly touted prospect out of USC, Williams brings talent and potential to the Bears’ offense, offering hope for a brighter future in Chicago.
Photo courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez,
Drake Maye: Washington Commanders. QB/North Carolina (2): With the second pick in the mock draft, the Washington Commanders select Drake Maye, the quarterback from North Carolina. Under the leadership of new head coach Dan Quinn, the Commanders are eager to find the player they believe can bring new life to their franchise. Maye, hailing from North Carolina, emerges as the chosen quarterback to lead Washington into a new era. With a rich history and tradition, the Commanders want to rejuvenate their team and restore their prominence in the NFL, and Maye represents a key piece in their rebuilding efforts.
Jayden Daniels: New England Patriots, QB/LSU (3): With the third pick in the mock draft, the New England Patriots select Jayden Daniels, the quarterback from LSU. Daniels, the second Heisman Trophy winner from LSU in four years, brings a wealth of talent and potential to the Patriots’ quarterback position. As the Patriots enter a new era without the legendary duo of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, they look to Daniels to lead them into the future. After Belichick’s departure, assistant Jerod Mayo stepped into the head coach role, signaling a new chapter for the Patriots organization. With Daniels at the helm, the Patriots aim to maintain their legacy of success and competitiveness in the NFL.
Marvin Harrison Jr: Arizona Cardinals, WR/Ohio State (4): Marvin Harrison Jr., the talented wide receiver out of Ohio State, joins the Arizona Cardinals in this mock draft. With quarterback Kyler Murray leading the offense, the Cardinals need a dynamic weapon in their passing attack. Harrison Jr. is a much-needed upgrade at the wide receiver position. Possessing a diverse skill set and exceptional athleticism, the former Buckeye has the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. His addition to the Cardinals’ roster signifies their commitment to bolstering their offensive firepower, aiming to elevate their performance in the upcoming season. Additionally, being the first of two first-round selections for the Cardinals in the 2024 NFL Draft, Harrison Jr. represents a significant investment in their future success.
Joe Alt: Los Angeles Chargers, OT/Notre Dame (5): Joe Alt, the offensive tackle from Notre Dame, is selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in this mock draft. Under the leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh, who recently returned to the NFL after achieving success with the Michigan Wolverines, the Chargers prioritize bolstering their offensive line. With Alt’s arrival, they aim to address the deficiencies observed in their offensive line performance during the previous season. Alt represents a critical addition to the Chargers’ roster as a talented prospect who can provide stability and strength to the line. His selection underscores the team’s commitment to enhancing their protection for the quarterback Justin Herbert and improving their overall offensive efficiency in the upcoming season.
Malik Nabers: New York Giants, WR/LSU (6): The New York Giants are no strangers to selecting playmakers from Louisiana State University. One player that comes to mind is former Bayou Bengal Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham spent the first five seasons of his career with the Giants, becoming one of the league’s most dynamic players in the receiver position. Fast forward to 2024, and the Giants need a playmaker to enhance their offense again. That’s what Malik Nabers will be expected to do when taken by New York with the sixth overall pick. Nabers finished his collegiate career with one of the best years ever by an LSU wideout. Nabers caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Photo courtesy of Madalyn Cunningham.
Rome Odunze: Tennessee Titans, WR/Washington (7): Washington’s Rome Odunze becomes the third wide receiver taken within the top ten picks of the 2024 NFL Draft. Listed at 6’3, 216 pounds, Odunze will provide the Titans with an asset they have not seen at wide receiver since AJ Brown.
Dallas Turner: Atlanta Falcons, EDGE/Alabama (8): With his first overall selection as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Raheem Morris adds another disruptive pass rusher to the Falcons’ talented defensive line with the selection of Dallas Turner. However, do not be surprised if Atlanta decides to position themselves to where they can select a top prospect at quarterback because evidence has shown us that Desmond Ridder is not the answer.
Laiatu Latu: Chicago Bears, EDGE/UCLA (9): To go along with their first overall selection, Caleb Williams, the Bears add edge rusher Laiatu Latu out of UCLA. The former Bruin will join a Bears defense that closed out the year on a solid note. Latu is viewed as an instinctive playmaker with a persistent motor that can frequently force turnovers and disrupt offensive momentum.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu: New York Jets, T/Penn State (10): We are headed into year two of the Aaron Rodgers era with the New York Jets. The biggest lesson learned from his first season with the team is that he needs better protection. The future Hall of Fame QB was gone for the remainder of the season when he tore his Achilles during the opening drive of a Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The selection of Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu will boost a Jets offensive under duress the past two seasons.
Terrion Arnold: Minnesota Vikings, CB/Alabama (11): If the Vikings decide to commit to Kirk Cousins once again as their starting QB, their next action plan will be to address a critical piece to their defense. Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold will be the first corner to come off the board in the 2024 draft. He will be expected to help improve a Vikings secondary near the bottom of the league when defending the pass.
Kool-Aid McKinstry: Denver Broncos, CB/Alabama (12): In his second season as head coach, Sean Payton addresses the defensive side of the ball by selecting Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry. But you must wonder if Denver will attempt to move up in the draft to select a QB such as Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. In the past, Payton has been adamant about how he wanted to choose Patrick Mahomes, who is now on the verge of becoming one of the best to play in the position. Overall, McKinstry is a player that addresses a need on the team.
J.J. McCarthy: Las Vegas Raiders, QB/Michigan (13): The Raiders removed the interim label from Antonio Pierce and made him the team’s official head coach. His first significant priority this offseason is to find his quarterback of the future. The signal caller that he looks to is Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. However, McCarthy’s stock continues to rise, which could cause a team like the Raiders to inquire about moving up in the draft to select him.
Taliese Fuaga: New Orleans Saints, T/Oregon State (14): The New Orleans Saints address their need for reliable protection on the offensive line by selecting Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State. Despite the struggles of first-year quarterback Derek Carr in 2023, there remains optimism regarding Trevor Penning’s potential. However, to ensure improved performance in the upcoming season, the Saints recognize the importance of fortifying the offensive tackle position. Fuaga’s addition allows the Saints to bolster their offensive line, offering Carr the protection he needs to succeed. If both Penning and Fuaga can live up to expectations, the Saints stand to benefit from having two highly capable offensive tackles anchoring their line.
Jared Verse: Indianapolis Colts, EDGE/Florida State (15): The Indianapolis Colts made one of the most significant leaps among young teams during the 2023 season, coming within one game of making the postseason. Impressively, they achieved this without their rookie quarterback, Anthony Richardson, who showed immense potential. With their sights set on fortifying their defense, the Colts select Jared Verse. Seeking to develop a cornerstone player on the defensive side of the ball, Verse perfectly fits the mold with his athleticism, versatility, and knack for disrupting offenses.
Graham Barton: Seattle Seahawks, GUARD/Duke (16): Regardless of who the Seattle Seahawks have under center at quarterback, solid protection upfront is imperative. With the 16th pick, the Seahawks prioritize bolstering their offensive line by selecting Duke’s Graham Barton. Barton is known for his strength, technique, and football IQ, so he is formidable to Seattle’s interior line. Moreover, with speculation surrounding the Seahawks potentially moving up in the draft to secure a quarterback, their ample assets make them a team to watch for on draft day.
Nate Wiggins: Jacksonville Jaguars, CB/Clemson (17): Following a step back from their status as one of the league’s top teams this season, the Jaguars aim to address a pivotal contributor to their regression: their struggling secondary. Despite coming off a division title in 2022, their defensive backfield surrendered many yards and passing touchdowns. Under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the Jaguars prioritize rebuilding their secondary by drafting Nate Wiggins. The former Clemson Tiger becomes the third cornerback selected in our 2024 NFL Mock Draft, offering promise and potential to bolster Jacksonville’s defensive unit.
Keon Coleman: Cincinnati Bengals, WR/Florida State (18): With the next pick, the Cincinnati Bengals select Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman. Amidst ongoing speculation surrounding current Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, rumors suggest that the former Clemson product could face franchise tagging and potential trade scenarios if a new deal agreement is not reached between Higgins and the team. While Higgins may opt to sign the tag to remain with the Bengals, it does not guarantee his long-term future with the franchise. The franchise tag is a temporary measure to facilitate negotiations for a new deal. Considering this uncertainty, the selection of Keon Coleman provides the Bengals with another dynamic option for quarterback Joe Burrow to target alongside standout receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Coleman’s contribution to Florida State’s successful 2023 season following his transfer from Michigan State underscores his potential to make an impact at the professional level.
Brock Bowers: Los Angeles Rams, TE/Georgia (19): The Los Angeles Rams already have a plethora of young playmakers surrounding their veteran quarterback, Matthew Stafford. On the night of the draft, they decide to add one more. They selected tight-end Brock Bowers out of Georgia. The two-time national champion is projected as the next great tight end who could follow the mold of players such as Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski, and Shannon Sharpe. With the addition of Bowers to go along with Puka Nachua, Cooper Kupp, Josh Higbee, and Kyren Williams, the Rams could emerge as one of the league’s top offenses.
JC Latham: Pittsburgh Steelers, OT/Alabama (20): Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has announced that the team will have an open QB competition heading into training camp for 2024. However, they will continue to have issues at the position if their offensive line does not win the battles up front. This is where the selection of Alabama’s JC Latham would come into play. The former Crimson Tide standout is rated as one of the top offensive linemen to enter this year’s NFL Draft.
Tyler Guyton: Miami Dolphins, OT/Oklahoma (21): Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa was able to stay upright for most of the 2023 campaign. As a result of his protection upfront, the former Alabama signal-caller successfully built off his breakout season that occurred in 2022. We projected that the Dolphins would add another offensive tackle to their dominant unit for the upcoming draft when they Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton. Even though Terron Armstead is still producing at a high level, it does not hurt to think about the future, which may not include the future Hall of Fame left tackle.
Cooper Dejean: Philadelphia Eagles, S/Iowa (22): Unfortunately, we did not witness a Super Bowl LVII rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. That was mainly because the Eagles imploded down the stretch after compiling a record of 10-1 to start the season. There were instances where the offense did not resemble what we saw during last season’s run to the Super Bowl, but on the defensive side, their old age kicked in fast. The selection of Iowa safety Cooper Dejean can be viewed as an attempt to insert young talent into a secondary that has shown signs of being touched by “Father Time.”
Brian Thomas: Houston Texans, WR/LSU (23): Out of nowhere, the Houston Texans won the AFC South title with a rookie quarterback under center and a head coach who had no other experience before joining the organization. In 2023, we were introduced to the Texans’ young core of playmakers, such as CJ Stroud, Will Anderson, Nathaniel Dell, and Nico Harris. When they select LSU’s Brian Thomas, they will add another explosive talent for this year’s draft. In 2023, Thomas emerged as one of the top targets for Heisman-winning signal-caller Jayden Daniels.
Cooper Beebe: Dallas Cowboys, OG/Kansas State (24): The Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 season saw them switch to a West Coast offense under head coach Mike McCarthy’s play calling. The results were off the charts, with Dak Prescott having one of the best years of his career and Ceedee Lamb putting up career numbers as WR1. Here, they strengthen the offensive line and find the future replacement for Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin. Cooper Beebe is a mauler who has already been steadily rising draft boards.
Amarius Mims: Green Bay Packers, OT/Georgia (25): With the expected release of left tackle David Bakhtiari, whose relationship with the Packers has been complex in recent years, it’s time to rebuild on the offensive line. Amarius Mims can play either tackle spot, and the position has to be the number one priority for the Packers in 2024. They have found something with Jordan Love and his young group of receivers, so protecting him now needs to be a priority.
Troy Fautanu: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, OT/Washington (26): Back-to-back tackles go off the board here, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also electing to fill a position of need. Tristan Wirfs has proven to be one of the better blindside tackles in the league since being drafted, but the Bucs need to find his counterpart on the right side of the line. Troy Fautanu would likely follow a similar path to the Detroit Lions Penei Sewell, switching from left to right tackle in the pros. With the likely return of Baker Mayfield to a team that made a playoff push this past season, securing the offensive line feels like a clever play here in Tampa.
Jer’Zhan Newton: Arizona Cardinals, DT/Illinois (27): The Arizona Cardinals took the best difference maker on offense in this year’s class with the fourth overall pick, so switch to the defensive side here with their second pick in the first round. Jer’Zhan Newton was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and possesses elite ability as a violent defensive tackle despite being slightly undersized. He’s slipped down draft boards just a little, but Jonathan Gannon and his crew will love the value here in the trenches as he looks to build his defensive style in Arizona.
Troy Franklin: Buffalo Bills, WR/Oregon (28): There’s a lot to love here about the fit for Troy Franklin with the Buffalo Bills. For starters, there’s no guarantee that Gabe Davis will be back, and who knows what the long-term future of Stefon Diggs looks like in Buffalo, either. The Bills will likely add another weapon for Josh Allen in the first round, and few are a greater fit than Troy Franklin. He’s got elite size for the next level and might be the best deep ball threat in a class stacked with wide receiver talent. Buffalo has been looking for a guy who can make the most of Josh Allen’s arm talent and stretch the field, and Franklin can do all that and much more.
Kamari Lassiter: Detroit Lions, CB/Georgia (29): The Detroit Lions need to add some more ‘dawg’s to their defense, and what better way than with an aggressive corner with great power? Kamari Lassiter has some of the best tapes in the secondary class for getting downhill and sniffing out ball carriers. He loves throwing his weight around in the run game, and his playstyle perfectly suits what the Lions and Dan Campbell are looking for. He needs a little refining in coverage but looks every bit like a starting cornerback in the NFL.
Adonai Mitchell: Baltimore Ravens, WR/Texas (30): Adonai Mitchell is one of the more polarizing prospects in the draft this year. Some have him going in early round two, but he sneaks into the first to join the Baltimore Ravens offense. Todd Monken came in last year and changed the approach for the Ravens, opting for more of a spread offense, allowing Lamar Jackson to flourish as a passer. With Rashod Bateman’s rookie contract nearing its end and Odell Beckham Jr’s one-year deal expired, the Ravens need another weapon to continue executing that offense effectively. Adonai Mitchell stands six feet four inches with great bursts, twitch, and pure receiving ability. He’d be an excellent match for the offense.
Photo courtesy of Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK.
Jordan Morgan: San Francisco 49ers, OT/Arizona (31): The San Francisco 49ers had Colton McKivitz starting at right tackle this past season. However, the general feeling is that finding a standout tackle in the draft is a far better solution. They have a Hall of Famer on the left side and a decisive run game, but there’s room to improve on the right side. Jordan Morgan is one of the more underrated tackles available in a deep class, who improved his stock further with a solid week in Mobile, Alabama, for the Senior Bowl. Expect to see the 49ers address the gap on the right side in the draft.
Xavier Worthy: Kansas City Chiefs, WR/Texas (32): As far as dynamic playmakers go in this year’s draft, look no further than the Texas Longhorns’ Xavier Worthy. Think about Zay Flowers’s impact with the Baltimore Ravens this past season, only with better pure wide receiver ability. Xavier Worthy is a slim, speedy wideout who can line up anywhere and make many plays after the catch. He would help transform the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver room, which struggled to support Patrick Mahomes last season outside of Rashee Rice consistently. Wide receiver will be a priority for the Chiefs in the draft, and Worthy fits their setup nicely.
