2024 NFL Mock Draft: Ex-NFL player has Patriots going non-QB at No. 3, Steelers and Bears adding playmakers (2024)

From Carolina Panthers

This has been inevitable for about a year. Bears fans hopefully get the QB they've been longing for. Williams has the "it' and "wow" factor, and the Bears have set the team up so he can succeed.

The most dynamic QB in this draft just makes too much sense being paired up with new OC Kliff Kingsbury.

The Pats could go QB, but they get the most polished and clean prospect in the draft in MHJ. They take a flier at QB later in the draft while Jacoby Brissett mans the ship this year.

Mock Trade from Arizona Cardinals

Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown coached Maye in high school, and Kevin O'Connell's system fits Maye well. He most likely gets a redshirt year as Sam Darnold is already in house.

The Chargers could go tackle, but I believe they get the best playmaking WR in Nabers, whose start-and-stop acceleration is out of this world. Los Angeles gets a much-needed weapon for Justin Herbert.

A GM and HC want to be attached to a QB they picked, and the Giants get to do that this year by taking J.J. McCarthy, who is a winner and makes tight-window throws. He'll get to sit behind Daniel Jones for a year and learn.

The Titans need an offensive tackle in the worst way, and the most technically sound tackle falls to them at pick No. 7 to protect Will Levis.

The first defensive player comes off the board as Turner is a perfect fit in this Raheem Morris defense with his ability to drop in coverage and get after the QB.

The Bears could trade back or go edge rusher, but they go Rome Odunze. I believe Odunze will be the best WR in this class when it's all said and done. Kennan Allen is on a one-year deal, so why not get Caleb Williams another weapon?

Yes, the Jets signed Tyron Smith and traded for Morgan Moses, but they're on one-year deals and in their mid 30s. Fashanu has the highest upside at tackle in this draft and will man the LT position for the next 8-10 years for the Jets.

Mock Trade from Minnesota Vikings

Fuaga gives you position flexibility to start at RT or at guard and also brings some nastiness to your O-line.

The Broncos could trade back since they don't have a second-round pick, but they take one of the best playmakers in the draft in Bowers. We saw Sean Payton work wonders with Taysom Hill; just imagine what he could do with Bowers.

The Raiders get their QB of the future in Penix Jr, who fits in perfectly with this offense. He's the best deep ball thrower and processor in this class. I believe he'll push Minshew to start this year.

OT is a glaring need as Ryan Ramczyk may not be ready to play when the season starts, and former first-round tackle Trevor Penning has struggled. Fautanu shores up a major need, as he's one of the most athletic tackles in this class who also has the ability to kick inside to guard, but will upgrade your tackle position from Day 1.

Arnold fixes a major need for the Colts at corner. He has the flexibility to play outside and in the slot, is a willing tackler and is a great competitor.

Seahawks get the best defensive player in the draft in Murphy. He is disruptive and creates havoc from the interior of the defensive line.

Mitchell would fit in nicely in new DC Ryan Nielsen's defense. The best ball-tracking corner in the draft, Mitchell could be the missing piece to take this defense to the next level.

The Bengals get some protection for Joe Burrow as well as the best run-blocking OT in this class, I also feel Latham could make the jump to guard if they needed him to.

Latu would be my No. 1 edge rusher if not for the medical questions, Latu has a veteran-style game and will get after QBs right away. He'll pair nicely with edge defender Byron Young, who the Rams took in last year's draft.

Thomas is a downfield threat who is just coming into his own. He can take the top off the defense but also is a monster in the red zone going up and getting the football. He led all of college football last year with 17 TD catches. The paring of Thomas and Pickens will be nice.

Newton is a really good pass-rushing DT who always has a plan when he rushes the passer. The Dolphins lost Christian Wilkins in free agency, so Newton would help soften that loss.

The Eagles secondary struggled last year, and their corners are getting older. DeJean gives you the flexibility to play him at multiple spots in the secondary.

Mock Trade from Minnesota Vikings

The Cardinals get their "X" receiver in AD Mitchell. He's a big-bodied WR who has some suddenness, which allows him to get separation and get open.

The Cowboys get the best and most physical center in the draft as they look to revamp their O-line.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is a tone-setter at corner and will help from Day 1 at the slot corner position. He's a guy that when he hits you, you feel it. He'll bring a straight dawg mentality to that secondary.

The long, rangy and speedy Wiggins will fit in nicely in Todd Bowles system and will allow Bowles to go back to playing more man coverage, which he generally does in his system.

From Houston Texans

McKinstry fills a major need at the corner position. He'll play well in Jonathan Gannon's system, as he does a great job diagnosing route concepts to make plays on the ball. He also will give you punt return ability.

The Bills could go WR but decided they can't pass on Robinson, who has the quickest first step in the draft. The Bills need some pass-rush help and Robinson has high upside. He just needs work on his hand usage. If they can coach him up, this could be the biggest steal in the draft.

Robinson fits in nicely in DC Aaron Glenn's defense moving up and down the defensive line. He'll hopefully make things easier for Aidan Hutchinson.

The Ravens get a RT with massive upside who has only been a starter for one year, but would fit in nicely with the Ravens culture.

Mims is the guy you want walking off the bus first. He only has eight starts in his college career, but there's so much to like about his game. Plus, he can play both tackle positions.

The Chiefs could go WR but instead they fix a glaring need in OT. Morgan times up his opponents' hands well, and he's a big guy who is athletic blocking in space. You can't go wrong making sure you protect the best QB in the NFL in Mahomes, and that's what the Chiefs are doing by picking Morgan.