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    FantasyPros Staff | Sun, Mar 10th 2024, 4:48am EDT

2024 NFL Mock Draft: J.J. McCarthy, Terrion Arnold, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jayden Daniels

Let’s dive into a few of my top picks for the 2024 NFL Draft. Here is my full latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft, including all first-round picks and write ups. Below we dive into a few notable 2024 NFL Draft picks.

2024 NFL Mock Draft

2) Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB – LSU)

Across the majority of sportsbooks, the odds have closed drastically between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels as the QB2 and the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. Maye is still the slight favorite (-125), but the odds have moved since my Mock Draft 1.0 (previously at -190).

Remains to be seen which of the two QBs the Commanders prefer – they are going QB regardless – and it’s plausible they don’t even know how they are going to select at this point in the process. Initially, I saw no reason to change my stance on Maye at No. 2 overall.

A lot will be made about this potential rookie QB’s fit in new OC Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, but new GM Adam Peters will likely also have a large input on the future franchise QB. He’s referenced that his new home in Washington is eerily similar to his situation when he first landed in SF back in 2017 – citing the team needs to build through the draft. Trading “down” is still a possibility in my estimation.

All in all, Peters saw the disaster that was Trey Lance during his tenure in SF. He also benefitted greatly from the Brock Purdy selection, claiming that the tape and how well Purdy played the QB position pointed them in drafting the QB.

And although Lance’s rushing ability makes more sense in comparison to Daniels, I think Maye has more of the boom-or-bust profile that Peters would rather avoid. Injuries withstanding, Daniels offers more of an under-the-radar game manager with strong fundamentals, accuracy and decision-making. Maye has the arm and a size that offers ceilings like Josh Allen and Justin Herbert. But that is accompanied by inconsistent play at times, like from what we saw from him in 2022 versus 2023.

The other thing that is overlooked about Daniels – is his experience. 5 seasons of college ball. 55 games. Purdy played 48 games at Iowa State. 2023 Heisman Trophy Winner, Jayden Daniels is the selection at No. 2. With his ability to add value as a rusher and experience with five years under his belt, he can thrive in a familiar Kingsbury system with underrated weapons already entrenched at the skill positions. In 55 games in college, Daniels rushed for over 3,300 yards – 60 rushing yards per game. Last year’s third quarterback selected, Anthony Richardson, also averaged 60 rushing yards per game in the college ranks.

Check out our full 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jayden Daniels

5) Los Angeles Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – Ohio State)

It’s a brand-new era in LA. New head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz (from Baltimore) are IN, as the decision-makers when it comes to personnel and shaping the roster heading into 2024. And as much as it pains Harbaugh to select an Ohio State Buckeye with his Michigan bloodlines, the talent is undeniable for a roster that needs WR juice.

Check out our full 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Marvin Harrison Jr.

8) Atlanta Falcons:  Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)

Cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes will hit FA in 2025. With Jeff Okudah and Tre Flowers also free agents, cornerback is another area that Atlanta may need to improve. Especially because the coverage unit ranked in the bottom-10 last season, compared to the run-stuffing defense that ranked second in PFF’s run-defense grading.

They address the weakness by drafting Alabama’s Terrion Arnold. He was named All-American in 2023, alongside teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry. Arnold finished the 2023 season as PFF’s 4th-highest graded CB in the class, with the No. 1 grade as a run defender (90.6). Arnold also finished 3rd in the nation in pass breakups (13) and interceptions (5). DraftKings Sportsbook has Arnold listed with the shortest odds among CBs to be the first non-QB selected (+5000). Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell are duking it out for CB1 alpha status. Per FanDuel Sportsbook, Arnold is listed at +750 to be the first defensive player drafted. Only Mitchell has shorter odds among CBs (+430).

Check out our full 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Terrion Arnold

12) Denver Broncos: J.J. McCarthy (QB – Michigan)

Russell Wilson is gone in Denver, slating the team to select its next signal caller of the future with the 12th overall pick. This team is tied to Sean Payton, and he will undoubtedly have the final say when it comes to selecting his future QB over GM George Paton.

Payton elects to select Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. The super-accurate QB posted the third-highest adjusted completion percentage in the nation (80%) in 2023.

McCarthy’s throw air time below an expectation also ranked first in the class (-0.13). This is determined by throw distance and the quarterback’s footwork when throwing. Per Sports Info Solutions a lower number is better, because in that case throws of the same distance are taking less time to get to the target.

The former Wolverine’s odds to be selected by the Broncos are listed at +350 by DraftKings Sportsbook. The longest odds are listed at +500 on BetMGM as of this writing.

Check out our full 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report for J.J. McCarthy

2024 NFL Mock Drafts

Here are a few early predictions for the 2024 NFL Draft. We’ll continue to add our 2024 NFL Mock Drafts leading up to the start of Round 1.

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