Tony Pauline’s 2-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft 6.0: Patriots pull major surprise at #3, Chiefs land electric WR, Bills pick Gabe Davis’ replacement

Now that the pro-day schedule has concluded, it is time for an updated mock draft. Pro-day workouts not only showcase prospects’ abilities to scouts, but also generate a lot of buzz throughout the league. This two-round mock draft takes into account all the latest chatter and even includes a trade at the top.

2024 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Predictions

The Chicago Bears (via the Carolina Panthers) are expected to select Caleb Williams, a quarterback from USC. After trading Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bears now have the opportunity to draft the best quarterback in this year’s class, thanks to their successful trade from the previous year.

Washington: Jayden Daniels/QB/LSU – Daniels showed consistent improvement throughout the past season and a half, making him an ideal fit for the Kliff Kingsbury offense. In fact, I have high hopes for Daniels and believe that in three years, he could emerge as the top quarterback from this draft class.

The top quarterback prospect, J.J. McCarthy from Michigan, has been linked to the New England Patriots. Although I am not convinced he is a top-10 pick, he has been generating buzz at pro-day events. Eliot Wolf, acting as the team’s general manager, is advocating strongly for McCarthy, citing his potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in this draft.

4] Minnesota (via Arizona): Drake Maye – The Vikings are in dire need of a quarterback and Maye may be undervalued at this stage.

The L.A. Chargers are reportedly considering Notre Dame’s Joe Alt as a potential pick in the upcoming draft. According to sources at the combine, the team may also consider trading down if a quarterback is still available. Alt’s skills align with the offensive strategy preferred by head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Despite his mistakes in the pre-draft process, Marvin Harrison from Ohio State is still a dominant and game-controlling wide receiver, making him the perfect fit for the Giants who are in need of such a player.

The Tennessee Titans, with Olumuyiwa Fashanu from Penn State, are looking to address their issues at tackle. With the recent addition of Calvin Ridley, the team’s need for a wide receiver has diminished. Despite criticism of his abilities, Fashanu is an exceptional pass-blocking left tackle who will provide crucial protection for quarterback Will Levis.

Atlanta: Dallas Turner/LB-Edge/Alabama – Turner is an ideal fit for Raheem Morris’ potential installation of the Rams’ defense in Atlanta. He offers even more versatility than Byron Young, who had a successful season under Morris and was selected by the Rams in the third round of the 2023 draft.

The Chicago Bears select Georgia’s Brock Bowers at tight end with the 9th overall pick. As there are no top-rated offensive tackles left, this pick will provide quarterback Caleb Williams with a dynamic playmaker at the tight end position.

The Jets addressed their needs at offensive line and receiver in free agency, but their acquisitions leave little room for error. While Malik Nabers was also considered for this spot, his off-the-field concerns are causing concern. However, there is not a significant difference between Nabers and Rome Odunze on my rankings. Therefore, Odunze is the preferred choice for the Jets at this position.

Arizona (via Minnesota) makes a savvy trade, acquiring an extra first-round pick and still managing to select a promising receiver in Malik Nabers from LSU. This deal benefits the Cardinals greatly and adds to their already strong receiving corps.

Despite Denver’s desperate attempts to move up for a quarterback, they lack the necessary resources. However, Sean Payton, who values pass rushers, would be pleased with the fit of Verse from Florida State.

The Raiders have several options at their disposal for their 13th pick, but selecting Taliese Fuaga, a strong and aggressive offensive tackle from Oregon State, would fulfill a crucial need for the team.

At number 14, the New Orleans Saints have their eye on Washington’s Troy Fautanu, a highly sought-after offensive tackle who has been rapidly climbing draft boards. With the potential need for two offensive tackles, Fautanu would be a valuable addition to the Saints team.

With the 15th pick, the Indianapolis Colts select Quinyon Mitchell, a cornerback from Toledo. This pick addresses a crucial need for the team and adds a talented player who has consistently impressed throughout his career.

At number 16, the Seattle Seahawks select Chop Robinson, a highly rated prospect from Penn State. Robinson is an excellent fit for the Seahawks and has the versatility to play either with his hand in the dirt or standing over the tackle. He is expected to make a significant impact right away for the team.

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Amarius Mims from the University of Georgia at pick 17. While wideout Brian Thomas was also a potential choice, the Jaguars ultimately decided to address their offensive line by upgrading both the left and right tackle positions with one pick. This move was necessary due to Cam Robinson’s contract expiring and Anton Harrison not being suited for the right tackle position.

At number 18, the Cincinnati Bengals selected JC Latham from Alabama. While Brian Thomas was also a contender for this pick, it should be noted that free agent Trent Brown is only signed for one year and will be playing at right tackle.

With the 19th pick, the L.A. Rams select Byron Murphy II, a defensive tackle from Texas. While Desjuan Johnson’s journey is inspiring, he is currently a backup who has been thrust into a starting role. Adding Murphy to the defensive line would be a significant upgrade and a great value pick at this draft spot.

20] Pittsburgh: Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon – The Steelers quickly address their need at center by selecting Powers-Johnson.

21] Miami: Graham Barton/C/Duke – Prior to Robert Hunt’s departure, the Dolphins were in need of assistance on the interior of their offensive line. Barton has been receiving a great deal of first-round buzz for quite some time and is expected to transition to the center position.

22] Philadelphia: Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma – Despite some concerns about his approach, Guyton is still considered one of the most physically talented tackles in the draft. With this pick, Howie Roseman could potentially add another great player to the team.

23] Arizona (acquired via Cleveland and Minnesota): Terrion Arnold/CB/Alabama – The Cardinals cannot enter the upcoming season with Starling Thomas as their starting cornerback.

24] Dallas: Brian Thomas Jr./WR/LSU – Although Jordan Morgan is a strong contender, Thomas’ exceptional talent and potential make him impossible to overlook.

The Packers’ scheme could greatly benefit from the addition of Kool-Aid McKinstry, a top-notch cornerback from Alabama. However, his potential signing will depend on the results of his medical evaluations.

26] Tampa Bay: Clemson CB Nate Wiggins – While I may not have as much confidence in Wiggins as others do, I trust that Todd Bowles will find a way for him to make an impact as a cornerback or in the nickel position.

The Arizona Cardinals, who acquired this pick from Houston, addressed their need for an offensive tackle by signing Jonah Williams in free agency. As a result, they are no longer prioritizing offensive tackle, otherwise they would have likely chosen Jordan Morgan. Instead, they will select Laiatu Latu to bolster their pass rush, as he is a perfect fit for their system.

At pick 28, the Buffalo Bills select Adonai Mitchell, wide receiver from Georgia. While Xavier Worthy and Troy Franklin are also potential options, Mitchell’s size and impressive combine performance make him the top choice. He will fill the void left by Gabe Davis, who recently joined the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Lions made some great signings in free agency to address their needs. Although cornerback is still a possibility at this pick, selecting Troy Franklin from Oregon will further strengthen their already strong receiving unit.

31] San Francisco: Jer’Zhan Newton/DT/Illinois – While the trade for Maliek Collins may temporarily address a need, Newton’s presence on the interior of the defensive line should not be overlooked. He is a highly skilled and passionate player who brings crucial intensity and talent to the team.

At number 32, the Kansas City Chiefs select Xavier Worthy, wide receiver from Texas. Although I had initially considered an offensive tackle for this pick, recent feedback on Kingsley Suamataia has made me hesitant.

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Second Round Predictions

The selection for the Carolina Panthers is Ladd McConkey, a wide receiver from Georgia.

The New England Patriots selected Kingsley Suamataia as their new tackle from Brigham Young University.

The player chosen by the Arizona Cardinals is Cooper DeJean, a cornerback from Iowa.

The Washington Commanders have selected Darius Robinson from Missouri as their defensive lineman.

The L.A. Chargers are selecting Devontez Walker, a wide receiver from North Carolina.

The Tennessee Titans have selected Chris Braswell as their pick for linebacker/edge player from Alabama.

The Carolina Panthers acquired Ja’Tavion Sanders, a tight end from Texas, by trading with the N.Y. Giants.

The Washington Commanders acquired T.J. Tampa, a cornerback from Iowa State, in a trade with the Chicago team.

The Green Bay Packers have acquired Christian Haynes, a guard from UConn, from the New York Jets.

The Houston Texans have acquired Khyree Jackson, a cornerback from Oregon, from the Minnesota Vikings.

The selection for the Atlanta Falcons is Junior Colson, a linebacker from the University of Michigan.

44) The 44th pick for the Las Vegas Raiders is Michael Penix Jr., a quarterback from the University of Washington.

The Denver Broncos have traded their pick to the New Orleans Saints, who have chosen T’Vondre Sweat as their defensive tackle from Texas.

The Indianapolis Colts have selected Bralen Trice as their pick for Edge from Washington.

The N.Y. Giants have acquired Bo Nix, a quarterback from Oregon, from Seattle.

The player selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars is Johnny Wilson, a wide receiver from Florida State University.

The Cincinnati Bengals will select Roman Wilson from Michigan for the position of wide receiver.

The Philadelphia Eagles acquired Javon Bullard, a safety from Georgia, from the New Orleans Saints.

The player chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers is Kamari Lassiter, a cornerback from the University of Georgia.

52) The L.A. Rams selected Patrick Paul, a T from Houston.

The Philadelphia Eagles have selected Ennis Rakestraw Jr. from Missouri as their choice for cornerback.

The 54th pick in the draft was used by the Cleveland Browns to select Roger Rosengarten, a Tackle from Washington.

The Duke University graduate, DeWayne Carter, is joining the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle.

The Dallas Cowboys have selected Cooper Beebe from Kansas State as their pick for the position of G.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to select Payton Wilson, a linebacker from North Carolina State.

The Green Bay Packers selected Isaiah Adams, a guard from Illinois, with the 58th overall pick.

The Houston Texans have selected Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson for their defensive line.

The Buffalo Bills selected Trey Benson, a running back from Florida State.

The player chosen by the Detroit Lions is Adisa Isaac, who plays Edge at Penn State.

The player chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the draft is Kris Jenkins, who plays as a defensive lineman and attended the University of Michigan.

The player Calen Bullock, a safety from the University of Southern California, has been selected by the San Francisco 49ers.

The chosen player for the Kansas City Chiefs is Kris Abrams-Draine, a cornerback from Missouri.