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2024 NFL mock draft: Falcons, Bears pull off big trade; Caleb Williams goes No. 1 - The Athletic

How badly do you want a franchise quarterback?

It’s officially NFL Draft season and, we’ll find out how several teams answer that question come spring, when USC quarterback Caleb Williams and North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye come off the board — possibly with the top two picks.

But to which teams? Will Chicago toss aside the guy it thought was its franchise QB just three years ago, or will someone else give the Bears a terrific deal for the second consecutive year? How many other quarterbacks are top-10 or first-round worthy?

For my first mock draft of the 2024 season, I put trades on the table — shaking up the top, and the bottom, of Round 1. Let’s take a look.

Proposed trade: Atlanta receives No. 1; Chicago receives Nos. 8 and 43 plus a future first-round pick and a future second-round pick

Chicago hasn’t made a decision yet on Justin Fields. If the Bears decide to move on, this pick will be for a quarterback.

At the same time, the Bears’ trade last March with Carolina again puts general manager Ryan Poles in a situation in which he can unload No. 1 for a haul, further build around (or kick the can on) Fields and really charge up an already impressive young roster.

Of all the QB-needy teams, Atlanta’s roster is the most ready to win. Now, add a new coach and a new face of the franchise. Williams next to running back Bijan Robinson, in an offense with tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London, might sell a ticket or two.

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Maye could wind up as QB1 when it’s all over — it’ll likely depend on which team makes that pick in the top spot. However, Washington is guaranteed at least one of these guys, which is all that matters for the Commanders.

Like Williams, Maye is ready to come into the league and compete right now. His arm talent, confidence to attack the middle of the field, IQ and athleticism at 6 feet 4, 230 pounds are all elite for a 21-year-old QB.

A couple of things here: 1) Harrison is the best player in this draft, and people shouldn’t complicate that. He is a game-changing asset who can make a non-star quarterback (and a middling offense) better, immediately. And 2) This, at least for me, is still too early to take LSU QB Jayden Daniels — though I’m not about to rule out the Heisman winner here, with or without Bill Belichick’s return.

The Cardinals finished the year with good vibes and a confident Kyler Murray. They are firmly in position to be 2024’s version of the Texans: a good, young club that springboards itself to the next level via the draft.

Fashanu is a true anchor tackle to play opposite Paris Johnson Jr., who also could play guard if the Cardinals want to go that route.

No matter the new coach, the Chargers are in a terrific position to get Justin Herbert a new asset this spring. There are days I wake up and think Rome Odunze or Keon Coleman should be ranked ahead of Nabers, but the LSU star gets the nod today. He’s a faster, more explosive version of Amon-Ra St. Brown, in terms of toughness and dependability.

As tempting as this WR class is, the Giants have to give Daniel Jones (or any quarterback who stands back there) more help — again. Alt (6-7, 322) will be OT1 on some boards after a fantastic junior season with the Irish. He still moves like the 220-pound tight end he was in high school.

The Titans need playmakers, to be sure. But they also need offensive line help, especially if Derrick Henry has played his final game as a Titan. Bowers helps tick off both boxes as the most NFL-ready tight end prospect we have seen in a long, long time. He’s a George Kittle type with Travis Kelce tendencies.

The proposed Falcons-Bears trade at No. 1 would mean the Bears spend the 2024 draft wrapping their arms around Fields and building out the rest of a talented roster. Coleman, who also played basketball at Michigan State before he transferred to Florida State, is a 6-foot-4 contested-catch machine who can run with anyone.

go-deeper

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Even though the quarterbacks in this class are terrific, the opportunity to continue adding players elsewhere on this roster is just too tempting,

Still, there’s part of me that thinks the Bears should draft a QB and keep Fields, just to see whether they can give themselves two assets headed into 2025. I’m not ready to give up on Fields, and if the Bears are, the ex-Ohio State star won’t be available long.

As tempting as it is to hand Aaron Rodgers the type of asset he’s always wanted in Odunze, the smart thing to do here is protect the investment on a 40-plus quarterback with a surgically repaired Achilles. Latham is still just 20 and was one of the most powerful OTs in America this season.

It’s possible Daniels comes off the board in the top 10 (maybe even in the top three). This is more in line with where I’d place the Heisman winner in the stack, though, and Minnesota needs new life at the QB position. Daniels has played a lot of ball (55 games), but the 23-year-old still has room to develop and would be great with Justin Jefferson.

12. Houston Texans (from DEN): Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Proposed trade: Houston receives No. 12; Denver receives Nos. 27 and 53

Denver is toward the bottom of the league in terms of 2024 draft capital. The Broncos need a QB, but that’s far from the only spot they’ll have to address, so they trade back here and pick up assets.

The surging Texans, meanwhile, stay aggressive in the draft and add the toolsy tackle from Georgia. This could be a touch high for Mims, but the raw 6-7, 340-pounder has star traits.

He’s still just 20 years old, but Wiggins’ blend of length and foot speed have him a touch higher on my list than the Alabama corners (Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry). The CB1 battle is going to be a tight one. The Raiders could be in the market for a QB, as well, but this is too early for QB4 — especially for a team that still has other boxes to check.

There could be an early run on receivers, meaning Odunze might not be on the board this late. The best of Michael Penix Jr.’s fabulous Washington WR trio, Odunze is a powerful, big-bodied leaper with enough speed and wiggle to play X, Z or slot in the league. He would pair well long-term with Chris Olave.

An extremely competitive football player, the 20-year-old Arnold was the less-ballyhooed of the Alabama corner duo this year, but he might wind up CB1 when it’s over. He’s a strong, quick, smart corner who will help make others better and would be a great fit for a young Colts squad.

Seattle’s run defense was a problem all year and especially down the stretch as the Seahawks gave up an average of 175 rushing yards over its final seven games. Newton, the top defensive tackle in this class, is a ferocious interior presence who creates havoc with terrific burst off the snap and active hands. He is great against both pass and run.

go-deeper

GO DEEPER

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The longer and more patient of the two Alabama corners, McKinstry plays with tremendous balance and is rarely fooled in coverage. He’s never in a rush as a defender. He’ll wait on plays and use his length, although that approach can lead to occasional hiccups. The Jags need help at this position.

Robinson (6-3, 254) is going to test off the charts this spring — he has a 4.4 40-yard-dash speed and has posted a short-shuttle time of 4.22 seconds. His production has not matched his traits; however, his upside and potential positional versatility are undeniable. He hasn’t played like former Penn State star Micah Parsons, but he’s built like him.

The left tackle on Washington’s Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line, Fautanu is built more like a guard but is long enough to play outside in the NFL. And he’s quick enough. With this pick, Green Bay gets another piece to add to its emerging, young front.

This could be another QB destination. However, whether you have Penix, J.J. McCarthy or another prospect as QB4, I’d still argue this is too high to make that pick. The Bucs got into the playoffs with Baker Mayfield this season. Drafting a terrific young WR here allows Tampa to wait on the QB position until later in the draft.

21. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU): Laiatu Latu, edge, UCLA

This feels like a steal — and possibly too low for Latu, the super-productive UCLA edge who once medically retired because of a neck injury. Latu is not going to wow people with his testing, but his move set and hand usage are terrific. He’s a rock-solid player who had 64 pressures and a near-25 percent win rate this season.

Corner also could be on the table for the Rams. I like this tackle class, though, and Guyton’s a ridiculous athlete at 6-6, 320. He has great bend, recovery and general movement skills, and his length is outstanding. A former defensive lineman who still moves like a pass rusher, Guyton checks a box for Sean McVay.

As with Latu, this feels too low for Verse. The Florida State star got off to a slowish start production-wise this season, but he was terrific down the stretch — he racked up 10 pressures alone against Louisville in the ACC title game. He’d be a great bargain at this spot.

Mike McDaniel’s funhouse has all the assets required to be awesome for a good bit. Now, it needs someone to protect it all. Paul plays with near-37-inch arms and an 85-inch wingspan. He allowed just two sacks in more than 1,600 snaps over the last two years.

The Eagles have a habit of drafting their star replacements a bit earlier than some expect, which puts tackle on the table here. However, Philadelphia’s defense has collapsed and needs a boost. DeJean is not just a corner, he’s also a slot who can play safety and return kicks. Terrific value.

go-deeper

GO DEEPER

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A potentially perfect fit for Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. Egbuka is a super smooth 6-1, 205-pounder who is as QB-friendly as they come. He’s great at coming back to the ball, adjusting and finding spots in zones. Just a very well-polished player.

27. Denver Broncos (from HOU via CLE): Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

The QB4 question is a tough one. Neither Penix nor McCarthy is an obvious first-round pick as I sit on things today. McCarthy could emerge as that fourth quarterback in the class, but he also could go back to school.

Meanwhile, Penix’s improvement over the last two years at Washington is undeniable. However, there are still areas of his game — after six years and several season-ending injuries — that will give scouts pause. On the plus side, he’s the most confident vertical college passer we’ve seen since Joe Burrow, which counts for something.

Aidan Hutchinson finished the season second in the NFL in pressures and did it without much help to speak of on the other side. If Detroit can pair a three-down workhorse like Hutchinson with a pass-rush specialist like Tuimoloau (who also has three-down potential), it could be the missing piece for Dan Campbell’s defense.

The Bills definitely need a wide receiver, but they’ll also be looking for offensive tackle help — and there are still plenty of great WRs to find on days 2 and 3 of the draft. Fuaga was one of the best run-blocking offensive tackles in college football last season. He’s an extremely physical and explosive 6-6, 334-pounder who would bring attitude to the group in front of Josh Allen.

Depending on what happens with Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz, Dallas could need help at guard and tackle. Morgan, a 6-6, 306-pounder with excellent body control and a great feel for pass protection, was an outstanding college tackle and has some guard traits. Two birds, one stone for the Cowboys.

Franklin was one of the biggest risers in the country this season, feasting with QB Bo Nix in Oregon’s offense as a long, blazing-fast wideout who knows what to do after the catch. Franklin averaged 3.32 yards per route last season and had an 0.87 EPA/reception number.

Long, explosive and the owner of 4.3 speed, Mitchell had major (name, image and likeness-related) opportunities to leave Toledo and join an SEC team or another top-tier program this past offseason. He stuck with the Rockets and wound up as one of the nation’s most productive man-coverage corners.

Teams without a Round 1 pick

First and foremost, the Panthers have to do a better job protecting Bryce Young. Barton, like Morgan, can play at guard or tackle. The Panthers are working to turn the light on with young Ikem Ekwonu, but Barton can help right away regardless.

The Browns are at their best when they’re running the football. But Nick Chubb needs a fresh running mate, and though Corum has a lot of wear on his body (and suffered a knee injury in 2022), he’s the best gap runner in this class and will be ready to help an NFL team as soon as he arrives.

(Illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic;
photos of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Marvin Harrison Jr.:
Ryan Kang, Grant Halverson, Sam Hodde / Getty Images)

“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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