2024 NFL Mock Draft: Russell Brown’s Final Picks & Predictions (4.0)

Here is my fourth and final 2024 NFL Mock Draft. I’ll dive into the first round of the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft to provide my picks and predictions. Note that my final 2024 NFL Mock Draft includes a total of three trades happening on the day of the draft. Much of this aligns with the average three draft day trades we’ve seen in back-to-back years (2022 and 2023).

In addition to my final mock draft, you can also check out my 2024 NFL Draft Guide and scouting reports to get you ready for this year’s draft.

Russell Brown’s 2024 NFL Draft Guide (downloadable PDF)

You can also check out my prospect rankings for the 2024 NFL Draft:

Final 2024 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Picks & Predictions

1. Chicago Bears (via CAR) – Caleb Williams (QB – USC)

This one has been evident for months now. Especially after the Bears traded Justin Fields to the Steelers, there’s no bigger need for Chicago than to get this pick right. One of the top players in the draft and to me, the best quarterback in the draft, Caleb Williams is the pick.

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

Whether it’s unclear which quarterback the Commanders prefer, one thing we do know is they seem likely to keep this pick. With that, the quarterback who makes the most sense is Jayden Daniels. His touch downfield is great and his mobility is even better. He’ll be a weapon for offensive coordinators and it would be a wise choice for the Commanders to tap into his potential and skill set.

3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye (QB – North Carolina)

For weeks I’ve had Drake Maye penciled into this spot, so my guess is as good as yours, folks. Also, would the Patriots trade back to salvage their opportunity for their next signal-caller? Their roster is bad and they sure could use a left tackle but I’ll have them stay at this spot despite the trade talk. With that, Maye is a good selection to jump-start their new regime in Foxborough.

4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – Ohio State)

Even though it’s fun to predict a trade-back scenario for the Cardinals, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to pass on the best player in the draft. After all, the Cardinals have six picks in the top 100, including two selections in the first round. They can get aggressive later in the draft, but for now, they should stay put and take Marvin Harrison Jr. to give quarterback Kyler Murray a true No. 1 receiver.

5. Los Angeles Chargers – Joe Alt (OT – Notre Dame)

I’ve gone back and forth about a trade down with the Vikings and other teams but I can’t see it happening right now. With that, we all know Jim Harbaugh loves the offensive line and wants to run the football. Protecting Justin Herbert is a wise plan for Harbaugh, so this selection makes sense. Part of me considered JC Latham in this spot as I’ve had multiple sources tell me “Harbaugh loves him.” However, I think they’ll stick with the best tackle in the draft. Joe Alt is athletic enough to play left or right tackle for the Chargers.

6. New York Giants – Rome Odunze (WR – Washington)

It’s no secret the Giants have been researching quarterbacks in this draft. I’d be somewhat surprised if they took Michael Penix Jr. in this spot but anything is possible. Meanwhile, it sounds like they’re “off” on J.J. McCarthy. That said, Rome Odunze is a home run pick for the Giants because he’s different from most receivers they have on the roster. They pass on signal-caller and re-assess the draft board on Day 2.

7. Tennessee Titans – JC Latham (OT – Alabama)

If Joe Alt is here, it’s a sprint to the podium spot for the Titans. With him gone, the Titans could pivot to Malik Nabers or one of the defensive players. Ultimately, they need to ensure Will Levis is well protected. JC Latham is a good athlete for his size and has some of the strongest hands of any tackle in the class.

8. Indianapolis Colts (Mock Trade with Atlanta) – Malik Nabers (WR – LSU)

There’s been speculation Malik Nabers could be the first WR off the board. If he’s not, I think he falls right into this pick eight or pick nine range. There could be a deal with the Buffalo Bills or Los Angeles Rams, but I think the Colts make sense by taking full advantage of quarterback Anthony Richardson being on a rookie deal. Adding Nabers gives them legit playmakers all over the field and makes them one of the more fun offenses in the league.

Mock Trade Details:

ATL Receives: 2024 1st-Round Pick (15th overall) and 2024 2nd-Round Pick (46th overall)
IND Receives: 2024 1st-Round Pick (8th overall)

9. Chicago Bears – Byron Murphy (iDL – Texas)

I could see Dallas Turner or Brock Bowers in this spot. Ultimately, this would be a terrific addition for the Bears. As much as I like Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens in the middle of their defensive line, Byron Murphy provides more as a pass-rusher and a run defender. He could be a plug-and-play starter to help prevent the potential threats offenses in the NFC North present.

10. New York Jets – Taliese Fuaga (OT – Oregon State)

I went back and forth between Brock Bowers and Taliese Fuaga. Ultimately, I landed on Fuaga. He was the player the Jets fell in love with at the Senior Bowl and with Joe Douglas being an offensive line guy this makes sense. This gives them guard and tackle flexibility to start the season and if anything were to happen with Tyron Smith or Morgan Moses, Fuaga can slide right into a starting tackle role for the Jets.

11. Minnesota Vikings – J.J. McCarthy (QB – Michigan)

I could see the Vikings getting antsy and moving up but the more I talk with those connected to the Vikings, the thought is they will keep the 11th and 23rd overall picks. With that, J.J. McCarthy falls right into the Vikings’ lap and they take their quarterback of the future. McCarthy is a great fit for Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison should bode well for his success.

12. Denver Broncos – Dallas Turner (EDGE – Alabama)

It wouldn’t surprise me if a team moved up for a pass-catcher or a cornerback in this spot. That said, Dallas Turner would be the best player available for the Broncos, and that’s exactly what this team needs to do. Take the best player available and figure out who’s playing quarterback later. If they opt to go with the quarterback, the Broncos would select Bo Nix. For now, they go with Dallas Turner.

13. Las Vegas Raiders – Troy Fautanu (OT – Washington)

Similar to the Broncos, the Raiders need to add good football players. Despite the connections and interest in Michael Penix Jr., the Raiders will be interested in an offensive tackle like Troy Fautanu. He’s athletic enough to play anywhere on the offensive line and has the arm length necessary to play tackle.

14. New Orleans Saints – Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT – Penn State)

There could be a scenario where Olumuyiwa Fashanu is off the board in this spot. Ultimately, he ends up falling in the lap of the Saints. We all know about the left and right tackle needs for the Saints due to concerns about Ryan Ramczyk’s knee. With that, Fashanu should be a plug-and-play starter at either tackle position with great length and the ability to anchor consistently.

15. Atlanta Falcons (Mock Trade with Indianapolis) – Laiatu Latu (EDGE – UCLA)

Fatu or Turner are real possibilities at eighth overall but with the Colts projected to move up in this mock, the Falcons can acquire additional capital and still get their guy. Laiatu Latu is the best pure pass-rusher in this draft. The only hold-up for him to be locked into the top 10 is the medical concerns with his neck.

Mock Trade Details:

ATL Receives: 2024 1st-Round Pick (15th overall) and 2024 2nd-Round Pick (46th overall)
IND Receives: 2024 1st-Round Pick (8th overall)

16. Philadelphia Eagles (Mock Trade with Seattle) – Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)

For the last two days, we continuously heard about the Eagles interested in cornerback. The name that continues to be mentioned is Quinyon Mitchell. It’s easy to see why any team needing help at cornerback would have him at the top of their board. This could be a smoke screen to force other teams to draft a cornerback so a pass-catcher or offensive tackle gets within reaching distance of the Eagles. For now, they add Mitchell to their secondary as he’s got some of the click-and-close ability of any cornerback we’ve seen in a while.

Mock Trade Details:

SEA Receives: 2024 1st-Round Pick (22nd overall) and 2024 2nd-Round Pick (53rd overall)
PHI Receives: 2024 1st-Round Pick (16th overall) and 2024 3rd-Round Pick (81st overall)

17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)

It’ll be interesting where teams value Terrion Arnold as he’s a bit of a “wild man” with his lower body technique. However, his physicality and praise from Nick Saban won’t go unnoticed by NFL decision-makers. The Jaguars need help on the perimeter and with teams like the Texans and Colts getting better on offense, this defense needs to stop the bleeding.

18. Cincinnati Bengals – Brock Bowers (TE – Georgia)

Where does Brock Bowers fit in the first round? If it’s not the Bears at nine or the Jets at 10, it feels like he slips outside of the top 15. Especially if the Colts trade up for a receiver. So with that, Bowers’ fall stops here. By adding Bowers, the Bengals give themselves a legitimate receiving threat that allows them to use their other tight end, Drew Sample, in more of a blocking role while in max protection to keep Joe Burrow upright. That’s exactly what the LSU Tigers did with Joe Burrow in college. It would be wise to consider it here for the Bengals.

19. Los Angeles Rams – Jared Verse (EDGE – Florida State)

Could we see Amarius Mims in this spot? It could happen. Another name mentioned is Chop Robinson. However, Jared Verse is a top-15 player in this draft and he’d be a great fit for a defensive line that just lost Aaron Donald. Verse may not be an interior player but he should be able to align in multiple spots while having the speed-to-power needed to disrupt the pocket.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Graham Barton (iOL – Duke)

It feels like the Steelers have been connected to interior offensive linemen for much of the draft process. Preferably a center. With Graham Barton staring them in the face, this feels like a player they would take and we’d watch him carve out a starting role for the next 10-to-12 years in black and gold. Barton is a strong run blocker who looks to finish those blocks consistently and he’s athletic enough to play anywhere needed for the Steelers.

21. Miami Dolphins – Xavier Worthy (WR – Texas)

The two most common names brought to my attention for the Dolphins are Verse and Xavier Worthy. With Verse gone, the Dolphins select Worthy here and it makes all the sense in the world. Their offense already has one of the most explosive players in the league with Tyreek Hill. Adding Worthy helps this offense take another step. There are a lot of holes on the roster, so I wouldn’t rule out a trade down with a team like the Cardinals. For now, they stay put and add another playmaker to their offense.

22. Seattle Seahawks (Mock Trade with Philadelphia) – Cooper DeJean (CB – Iowa)

This would be a perfect scenario for the Seahawks as they get additional draft capital and a player I’d have them take at 16th overall. Cooper DeJean fits what Mike Macdonald could use for his defense with the cover 3 and quarters coverage he runs. DeJean could play cornerback or safety and would be able to contribute on special teams as a returner.

Mock Trade Details:

SEA Receives: 2024 1st-Round Pick (22nd overall) and 2024 2nd-Round Pick (53rd overall)
PHI Receives: 2024 1st-Round Pick (16th overall) and 2024 3rd-Round Pick (81st overall)

23. Minnesota Vikings – Jer’Zhan Newton (iDL – Illinois)

If the Vikings keep the 23rd overall pick, I think they end up landing on a defensive player like Darius Robinson or Jer’Zhan Newton. The reason I mention Robinson is that at the Senior Bowl two years ago I heard Brian Flores talking about the speed-to-power Derrick Hall had. I could see the same thing with Robinson. That said, Newton is a first-round type of player and he’d be a great addition to the Vikings’ bone-thin interior defensive line. Newton has quick hands and he shows a good motor in run support.

24. Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Guyton (OT – Oklahoma)

The Cowboys’ draft plan should be about adding talent to their offensive line and a running back. With no running back worthy of a first-round selection, Tyler Guyton is the player that makes a lot of sense for Dallas. They need a starting right tackle and if Guyton can stay healthy, he can certainly be that type of player at some point as a rookie. He’s got a great first step and there’s plenty of power behind his hands.

25. Green Bay Packers – Amarius Mims (OT – Georgia)

This would be the best landing spot for Amarius Mims in the first round. He could sit behind Zach Tom for a season if needed or he could play right tackle as Tom moves inside to guard or center. There’s been discussions of Tom making that move. While Mims is a bit of a project due to only starting seven games in college, he’s incredibly athletic for a player of his size. Protecting Jordan Love and keeping the Packers’ offense flowing should be a top priority.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Chop Robinson (EDGE – Penn State)

While I don’t view Chop Robinson as a first-round player, I can see why teams would value him that highly. Meanwhile, I’ve heard he has interviewed incredibly well. The Bucs would be thrilled to add his first-step explosiveness to the mix of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, YaYa Diaby and Randy Gregory. With Robinson, he’ll need to get home more consistently versus the pass and become more consistent against the run. This would be a good landing spot for him in the first round.

27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) – Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)

As mentioned with the Dolphins pick, I could see the Cardinals moving up from the 27th overall pick rather than moving down from the fourth overall pick. That said, I’ll keep them here to take Nate Wiggins. He does struggle as a tackler but his long speed, effort and press-man ability are worthy of a first-round pick.

28. Buffalo Bills – Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – LSU)

In every mock draft I’ve done, I struggle with where to place Brian Thomas Jr. In this spot, he falls in the lap of the Bills, mostly because I could see them considering a move up for him. He’s a player I’ve labeled as the “slot fade king” and with his vertical ability, he seems destined to catch touchdown passes from Josh Allen.

29. Washington Commanders (Mock Trade with Detroit) – Jordan Morgan (iOL – Arizona)

There’s been a lot of buzz around Patrick Paul from Houston as a first-round pick and I wonder if the Lions are one of the teams interested in him. But one of the worst-kept secrets in this draft is the Commanders using their draft capital to get back into the first round for offensive line help. One player they’ve met with is Jordan Morgan from Arizona. He’s a player with 32 ⅞” arms so a move to guard could happen. But the Commanders move up and try him at tackle to protect new franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Mock Trade Details:

DET Receives: 2024 2nd-Round Pick (36th overall) and 2024 3rd-Round Pick (100th overall)
WAS Receives: 2024 1st-Round Pick (29th overall)

30. Baltimore Ravens – Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)

I’m a firm believer that Christian Haynes could be the pick in this spot. We’ll see if that happens or not, but looking at the Ravens and how they’d value a cornerback like this, it makes sense. Kool-Aid McKinstry has the desired press-man skills and perimeter tackling skills teams value in the NFL. Keep in mind that Ozzie Newsome is still in the building in Baltimore and his connections to Alabama run deep.

31. Las Vegas Raiders (Mock Trade with San Francisco) – Michael Penix Jr. (QB – Washington)

The 49ers feel like they’re in such a weird place as a team. There are all types of connections to them moving on from one of their receivers but it’s unclear if they do. With that, I think they’d be more than happy to trade out of this spot and let a team like the Raiders jump up and get their quarterback of the future.

Mock Trade Details:

SF Receives: 2024 2nd-Round Pick (44th overall), 2024 4th-Round Pick (70th overall) & 2025 5th-Round Pick
LV Receives: 2024 1st-Round Pick (31st overall)

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Mike Sainristil (CB – Michigan)

There could be a real connection with Kingsley Suamataia here, especially with Andy Reid playing at BYU back in the day. However, the Chiefs traded away one of their best defensive players in L’Jarius Sneed and I think that may force the Chiefs to take a corner sooner rather than later. Mike Sainristil is a playmaker who is always around the football and can play inside or outside for a defense. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would know exactly how to use him.