2024 pre-free agency mock draft: Six QBs selected in first round

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It would come as a shock at this point if the Bears don’t draft Caleb Williams at No. 1. While Chicago has yet to make an official quarterback decision — although it certainly sounds like they’re shopping Justin Fields — all signs point to Williams being their guy. Ryan Poles, Matt Eberflus, Kevin Warren and others finally had a chance to meet with Williams in a brief meeting at the NFL Combine, and he certainly left an impression while also clearing up rumored red flags throughout combine week. Williams said he’d be “excited” to be drafted by the Bears, where he acknowledged it would be a good fit for any rookie. He’s also been studying some Chicago greats in Michael Jordan and Walter Payton with the desire to leave a similar impact on the NFL. — Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

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We keep hearing conflicting intel on which quarterback Washington likes better: Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. That’s by design. The Commanders are in an excellent position and for some of the talk they may trade down, that’s just not going to happen. Right now, we lean toward Maye. That has changed and could change again next week. Maye seems to be a bit more polarizing but has elite tools. Washington has four former quarterbacks on staff, led by OC Kliff Kingsbury, to maximize the tools of whichever QB they choose. Maye’s skillset will prove to be too much to pass up. — Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire

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Jayden Daniels might be the best quarterback on the entire draft board. Everyone has fallen in love with Caleb Williams and Drake Maye to the point that Daniels is being treated like leftovers by some fans. No quarterback in this entire draft has greater pocket awareness and delivery under pressure than the Heisman Trophy winner, who faced significantly better competition in college. This should be a no-brainer selection for the Patriots, if he’s still on the draft board at No. 3. — Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire

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If quarterbacks go 1, 2, 3, this is such an easy pick. It isn’t likely that there will be a team wanting to trade up if all three quarterbacks are gone, so they land the best player in the draft at a position of extreme need. Adding Harrison would potentially complete the Cardinals’ offense and give quarterback Kyler Murray all the weapons he needs to lead a powerful offense. — Jess Root, Cards Wire

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Mike Williams could be relieved to clear cap space. Keenan Allen could be moved as well. But even if he is on the roster next season, he isn’t getting any younger. Quentin Johnston still has to prove himself after an underwhelming rookie season. Odunze would be a solid addition to the position room. At 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds, Odunze is a talented receiver with great size, good route running and savvy, strong hands and contested catch ability. — Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

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With the top three quarterbacks and two of the top wide receivers off the board, it was slim pickings at this spot. Both a trade back and selecting QB J.J. McCarthy were considered but the allure of Malik Nabers was too good to pass up. He would give the Giants a true WR1 and immediately improve their offense with his ability to win contested catches. He also provides some versatility, capable of playing multiple receiver positions. — Dan Benton, Giants Wire

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With wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze all off the board, taking left tackle Joe Alt in this spot was the easy choice. The Titans have had the worst left tackle situation in the NFL for two years running now and Alt, who projects to be elite at the position for years to come, is the perfect long-term solution to protect Will Levis’ blindside. — Titans Wire, Mike Moraitis

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The Falcons are being linked to basically every available quarterback, but assuming they don’t sign Kirk Cousins or trade for Justin Fields, the draft seems like a real possibility. McCarthy has the long-term potential to be a franchise quarterback. The former Michigan signal-caller met with Atlanta at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and he had a strong showing on the field. McCarthy passed for 6,231 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions during his three seasons in Ann Arbor. Most are projecting him as a top-12 pick and the Falcons make sense as a landing spot. — Matt Urben, Falcons Wire

Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

In a perfect world, one of the top receivers will fall to the Bears at No. 9. But with Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers off the board in the top six selections, a top edge rusher falls right into their lap with Dallas Turner. For Matt Eberflus, it’s all about the length when it comes to defensive linemen, and Turner has got it (34 3/8th inches) along with some freakish athleticism. At the combine, Turner said the Bears’ defensive scheme gives pass rushers “freedom and opportunities,” which would give him an opportunity to shine. The Bears need to find a true complement to Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, and a potential 1-2 punch of Sweat and Turner off the edge could be huge for Chicago’s defense. — Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

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With only Joe Alt off the board, the Jets have their pick of the putter among offensive tackles. This would really go either way between Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga or even JC Latham. We’ll stick with Fashanu here. He may have work to do in the run game, but he is excellent in pass protection. For a team that desperately needs Aaron Rodgers to stay healthy so he can actually pass the ball, having that ability from Fashanu will be a welcome addition. — Billy Riccette, Jets Wire

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Things didn’t work out the way that the Vikings would want with the top four quarterbacks going in the top eight. With those players gone, they go with the best available player and on my board that is Alabama CB Terrion Arnold. He can play inside and outside with aggressiveness in both the running game and when the ball is in the air. Coming from a Nick Saban defense, Arnold already knows how to thrive in both man and zone concepts, including man-match principles, all of which Brian Flores has shown over his time in the NFL. Cornerback isn’t necessarily the biggest need for the Vikings, but the draft is about acquiring talent and they hit a home run in selecting Arnold. — Tyler Forness, Vikings Wire

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Trade Details:

• 49ers get No. 12
• Broncos get Nos. 31, 63, 216

This offer from the Broncos was too good to pass up. For the low, low price of a second-round pick and sixth-round pick, the 49ers get to leap up 19 spots to snag the best available offensive tackle on the board instead of waiting to see who’s there at No. 31. Fuaga differs from the prospects dipping to 31 in most mocks because of his pro-ready all-around skill set. He’s a player San Francisco can credibly slot in at right tackle on Day 1 with the potential of moving him to left tackle once Trent Williams retires. Fuaga measured in at 6-6, 324 pounds at the combine and put up athletic testing numbers that match the movement skills he shows on tape. Some analysts believe he’s best-suited at guard, and the 49ers could use help there as well, but for now he’s an upgrade at RT and San Francisco has to feel good about the find while maintaining a ton of their 2024 draft capital. — Kyle Madson, Niners Wire

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Trade Details:

• Cowboys get No. 13
• Raiders get No. 24, 2025 first-round pick

There are “predictive” mock drafts and then there are “what if?” versions. This is clearly the latter and if it doesn’t offend your sensibilities, follow the logic. The Cowboys are absolutely playing hardball with their employees, as the entire coaching staff, their quarterback and their star receiver are all currently facing lame-duck seasons. If Dallas is allowing Dak Prescott to walk in 2025, getting a QB in place now would be the smart thing to do. If they believe the left-handed intellectual fireballer and athletic marvel Penix has what it takes to survive under the bright lights of The Star, he’s the type of marketing attraction Jerry Jones craves. — KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire

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The Saints must improve their offensive line to better protect Derek Carr and improve the run game, and Fautanu can certainly do that. He should be given the opportunity to prove whether he can play outside at tackle first, but he has all of the tools to make for an outstanding left guard, too. New Orleans must get better at both spots and Fautanu can do be a big part of the solution. — John Sigler, Saints Wire

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Getting explosive on the offensive side of the ball is the most important objective for the Colts this offseason. Bowers is the epitome of that endeavor. Thinking of him more as an offensive weapon rather than simply a tight end should quell worries about positional value. His secure hands, yards-after-catch abilities and body control while running routes are traits that make him an ideal candidate for the No. 15 overall pick. Furthering the development of QB Anthony Richardson is key, and this is an easy way to do that. While CB Quinyon Mitchell and EDGE Jared Verse also were in consideration, it’s simply too difficult to pass up Bowers here. — Kevin Hickey, Colts Wire

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With both Michael Penix Jr. and Troy Fautanu surprisingly off the board this early, the Seahawks elect to take the top interior defensive line prospect available, assuming they were unable to re-sign Leonard Williams in free agency. Newton (6-foot-2, 304 pounds) helps continue Seattle’s youth movement on defense, reuniting him with star cornerback Devon Witherspoon. — Tim Weaver, Seahawks Wire

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It already seemed like cornerback would be top priority for the Jaguars this offseason, but it became paramount when the team decided to cut Darious Williams last week. Fortunately for Jacksonville, there’s a ton of offensive talent that should dominate the top half of the first round. That’s what happened in this mock, leaving the Jaguars with their choice of almost the entire cornerback class. Mitchell has checked every box from a dominant collegiate career to a stellar Senior Bowl showing to an impressive combine workout. If he’s on the board at No. 17, the Jaguars probably won’t think twice. — Adam Stites, Jaguars Wire

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The Bengals despise using high picks on interior players. But they did so back in 2012 on Kevin Zeitler — but only because they had two first-round picks. They never attempted to extend him beyond his rookie deal and he left alongside Andrew Whitworth, a colossal mishap that altered the franchise’s directory. Anyway, the Bengals have modernized much over the last few years, so let’s do so with Jackson Powers-Johnson here. He can slot in at center, shifting Ted Karras into a competition with Cordell Volson. This will require the Bengals to figure out right tackle if they don’t re-sign Jonah Williams, but Powers-Johnson is too good to pass up while the franchise passer enters the season after another big injury. — Chris Roling, Bengals Wire

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The Rams would probably be dancing on the tables in their war room if Verse were to fall this far. He’s one of the best pass rushers in this class and would fit perfectly in the Rams’ defensive scheme opposite Byron Young. He has a ton of power as a rusher and the college production to go with it, recording nine sacks in each of the last two seasons. This is a perfect marriage of positional value, talent and need for Los Angeles, making Verse a home run selection in the middle of the first round. — Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire

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When the Steelers go on the clock, you have to assume that offensive line and cornerback are the two biggest needs on paper. But we know drafts aren’t done on paper and when the best defensive lineman in the draft falls all the way to 20, you don’t pass him up. The Steelers are losing Montravius Adams and Armon Watts to free agency, and Murphy is an elite interior defender who would pair up perfectly with Keeanu Benton. — Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire

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The Dolphins may have as many as four starting spots to fill on the offensive line for the 2024 season with Terron Armstead mulling retirement and the trio of Isaiah Wynn, Connor Williams and Robert Hunt all expected to hit free agency. Selecting Barton in the first round could fill any of those holes with his ability to play all five spots on the line. That versatility is extremely important in Miami, as last year showed that if injuries occur someone needs to be able to slide around. If the Dolphins are looking to save some money (and they should be) and go with a prospect who could man multiple spots for years to come, Barton could be their guy. — Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire

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According to multiple reports, medical tests at the NFL Combine revealed a Jones fracture in his right foot, but he’s still the pick for Philadelphia. McKinstry was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide and, over the last two seasons, established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the entire country. With 22 pass breakups and an interception over two seasons, McKinstry has shown excellent growth as a defender and could be an all-pro level player at the next level, given his physical traits. McKinstry skipped the on-field workouts at the combine, but he is expected to work out during his Pro Day on March 20 before he undergoes surgery ahead of the NFL draft in April. That timetable would put McKinstry on track to be ready in time for training camp later this summer. — Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire

The Tennessean

Houston needs defensive help more than another lineman or wide receiver, so this pick was between DeJean, Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins and Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson. Ultimately, the Texans should add another rangy outside cornerback to pair with Derek Stingley more than a smaller, faster cornerback or another edge rusher right now — especially in the event they don’t retain Steven Nelson or sign/trade for a veteran this offseason. DeJean is versatile (he can play safety and on special teams), athletic and would fill an obvious need in the secondary, too. The Texans allowed the 10th-most passing yards and the fifth-most yards per attempt in 2023, meaning DeJean’s ballhawking skills would come in handy no matter where DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke play him. — Tyler Greenawalt, Texans Wire

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Trade Details:

• Cowboys get No. 13
• Raiders get No. 24, 2025 first round pick

With the top four quarterbacks off the board at No. 13, the Raiders trade down and pick up more draft capital for 2025. They still land a great prospect in Amarius Mims, who measured in at 340 pounds at the NFL Combine. The Raiders want to revamp their offensive line this offseason and get more physical. Adding a weapon like Mims at right tackle would allow them to do that. Plus, now they have two first-round picks for the 2025 NFL Draft and can be really aggressive targeting their next franchise QB. — Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire

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The Packers just spent a first-round pick on hulking edge rusher Lukas Van Ness, paid Rashan Gary big money and restructured Preston Smith’s deal so the veteran can return in 2024. So why Chop? He’s an elite athlete (second-best RAS among edge rushers at the combine), coming off two elite seasons rushing the passer in the Big Ten and still only 21 years old, and the Packers love young, elite players at premium positions in the first round. Sometimes, you just forget immediate “needs” and take the best or highest upside player you can find, especially at such a valuable and game-changing position. Robinson might be on the smaller side when it comes to Packers edge rushers, but he has the explosiveness to be a devastatingly effective rusher at the next level. Having Chop to develop would allow new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to move Van Ness around the defensive line of the base 4-3 front. — Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

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Trade Details:

• Chiefs get Nos. 26, 203 and 2025 sixth-round pick
• Bucs get Nos. 32, 94

In this scenario Kansas City trades up to secure the services of a supremely talented LSU receiver who could join the Chiefs with the goal of being an immediate difference maker. Thomas ran an extremely fast 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine after scoring 17 touchdowns in his final season in Baton Rouge. His addition to Kansas City’s offense could help lift the Chiefs to a third-consecutive Super Bowl victory next season if Thomas develops an early chemistry with Patrick Mahomes. — John Dillon, Chiefs Wire

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Here the Cardinals could go a number of directions. Alabama tackle J.C. Latham would fit but the Cardinals would prefer a tackle who can move a little better. Laiatu Latu comes with medical concerns. Robinson gives some inside-outside versatility as a defender and the Cardinals need both talent on the edge and the interior. He had 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss for Missouri last season and he increased his production every season he was in college. — Jess Root, Cards Wire

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With his semi-goodbye message posted to social media, Gabe Davis seems likely gone during free agency. On top of that, the Bills met with several wideouts during the combine, including Franklin. This past season, Oregon had a promising year and Franklin played his part. He put up 81 catches, 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 games. Similar to Davis, Franklin can stretch the field but likely has a better route tree in his game already with even more room for growth. Franklin could be the Day 1 No. 2 receiver in Buffalo’s offense, with potential to take over top duties one day. — Nick Wojton, Bills Wire

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Lassiter is a scheme-versatile outside CB with length, enough speed and big-game experience playing in man coverage. That’s literally the job description for the Lions’ biggest offseason need. As a bonus, Lassiter is one of the best tacklers at his position in the draft class and aggressively attacks the run and short passes coming his way. I still would love Cooper Beebe here, but I’ll happily mix things up with Lassiter, who looks like a ready-made Week 1 starter in Detroit. — Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire

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Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman is 6 foot 4, 220 pounds, and brings a combination of speed, athleticism, and power with his arsenal of moves and ability to win 50/50 balls. In 2023 with the Seminoles, Coleman logged 50 receptions for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns as Florida State went undefeated during the regular season. During his stints at Michigan State and Florida State, Coleman registered 115 receptions for 1,506 yards and 19 touchdowns. — Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire

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After trading for Sean Payton last year, the Broncos do not have a second-round pick in this year’s draft. By trading down from 12th overall, Denver adds a pick in the second round and in this mock, the team still lands their quarterback of the future. Nix could be a perfect fit for Payton’s offense, so it’s no surprise that he’s been a popular pick for the Broncos in mock drafts. After moving on from Russell Wilson, Denver lands Nix as a replacement. — Jon Heath, Broncos Wire

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There were five guys I really liked on the board at 26, and two of them made it here. The Bucs could certainly use a dynamic edge rusher to replace departing veteran Shaq Barrett, and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu is hard to pass up at this spot. That said, he’s an older prospect (will turn 24 late in his rookie season), and comes with medical concerns stemming from a neck injury that forced him to retire from football earlier in his college career. He was dominant after getting a clean bill of health and transferring from Washington to UCLA, but the injury history still looms as a risk. The Bucs are desperate for an upgrade at left guard, though, and with a talent like Latham still on the board, I just can’t pass up the chance to move such a massive, powerful blocker inside from his usual tackle spot. He just turned 21, and would immediately improve Tampa Bay’s struggling ground game, while also providing rare pass protection ability for an interior blocker. Especially after moving back and adding an extra third-round pick, this is a massive steal in terms of talent, and fills one of the Bucs’ biggest needs in the starting lineup. — Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire