The 2023 NFL season is over, and the playoffs are underway. While 14 teams still have Super Bowl ambitions, 18 have moved on to the offseason. Much will change between today and the 2024 NFL Draft in late April. However, let’s look at my first NFL mock draft this year. My initial NFL mock draft will offer several trade scenarios for the first round.

• 2024 NFL Draft Guide
• 2024 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | iOL | DL | EDGE | LB | S | CB

2024 NFL Mock Draft w/ Trades

Draft order via Tankathon

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Washington Commanders receive pick 1. Chicago Bears receive picks 2, 40.

1) Washington Commanders (via Bears, Carolina) – Caleb Williams (QB – USC)

It’s a new era in Washington with Josh Harris heading into this first offseason as the owner. After losing eight consecutive games, the Commanders secured the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft. While they can sit tight at second overall and select whichever quarterback falls to them, don’t be surprised if the team moves up for the D.C. native Williams.

2) Chicago Bears (via Commanders) – Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – Ohio State)

Reportedly, the Bears will continue to build around Justin Fields and trade the No. 1 pick for the second consecutive year. While this isn’t the blockbuster move many fans would hope for, Chicago gets back their second-round pick from the Montez Sweat trade and still secure the best non-quarterback prospect in the draft class. What better way to help Fields succeed than giving him DJ Moore and Harrison to throw to?

3) New England Patriots – Drake Maye (QB – UNC)

It’s a new day in New England. Bill Belichick is on his way out the door, and the Mac Jones era is over. Whether Mike Vrabel takes over as the new head coach or someone else, the Patriots need to find their franchise quarterback. While some will call for the team to draft Jayden Daniels, Maye is the far safer and smarter option.

4) Arizona Cardinals – Joe Alt (OT – Notre Dame)

Despite many believing the Cardinals would trade Kyler Murray and draft a rookie during the offseason, including myself, the team will continue to build around the star quarterback. Last year, they traded down and back up to secure Paris Johnson Jr. Now it’s time to pair him with another elite offensive tackle prospect, especially with D.J. Humphrey recently tearing his ACL.

5) Los Angeles Chargers – Brock Bowers (TE – Georgia)

The Chargers could go in multiple directions with this pick. However, trading down hasn’t been something the team has done in the past, but that could change depending on who gets hired over the next several weeks. Regardless, giving Justin Herbert an elite playmaker is never a bad idea, especially with Mike Williams likely being a salary cap casualty this offseason.

6) New York Giants – Olu Fashanu (OT – Penn State)

Despite investing two top-10 picks on Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal in the past four years, the Giants have an awful offensive line. They surrendered 85 sacks this season, 20 more than any other team in the NFL. Something has to be done to protect whoever is playing quarterback in 2024.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Minnesota Vikings receive picks 7, 183. Tennessee Titans receive picks 11, 42, 2025 fifth-round pick.

7) Minnesota Vikings (via Titans) – Jayden Daniels (QB – LSU)

While the Vikings could re-sign Kirk Cousins to a short-term contract in the offseason, don’t be surprised if the team trades up to secure Kevin O’Connell’s guy of the future. Daniels has a massive ceiling, but the one year of elite production will scare some off. Yet, he can sit a year behind Cousins while O’Connell figures out how best to use him for the next decade.

8) Atlanta Falcons – Malik Nabers (WR – LSU)

After firing Arthur Smith on Black Monday, the Falcons will make massive changes in the offseason. Maybe this isn’t too early for Michael Penix Jr. to come off the board, but his medical report will scare off some teams. If Atlanta can’t get a franchise quarterback with this pick, the next best thing is to add another elite playmaker to their young core.

9) Chicago Bears – Dallas Turner (EDGE – Alabama)

Chicago could consider an offensive lineman or even another pass catcher with this pick. However, the team needs another pass-rush threat. Montez Sweat has been a star sign getting traded to the Bears. Yet, no one else on the team had more than 4.5 sacks in 2023. Pairing Turner with Sweat will give NFC North quarterbacks trouble for years to come.

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

Aaron Rodgers lasted less than five minutes this season because of a torn Achilles. While the injury was necessarily because of the offensive line, the Jets must improve the unit, especially with the 40-year-old quarterback returning in 2024.

11) Tennessee Titans (via Vikings) – Rome Odunze (WR – Washington)

The Titans are entering a rebuilding window. While Will Levis could get replaced, it seems unlikely Tennessee will move on after one year. Instead, they should look to improve his receiving core. DeAndre Hopkins has gas left in the tank but likely won’t return entering the final year of his contract. Meanwhile, Treylon Burks has struggled to stay healthy during his short NFL career.

12) Denver Broncos – Michael Penix Jr. (QB – Washington)

Whether you believe Russell Wilson is being made the scapegoat or not, the Broncos are moving on from the veteran this offseason. Penix comes with injury concerns but was arguably the top quarterback in college football this year. He has a ton of starting experience and should be able to start as a rookie.

13) Las Vegas Raiders – Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)

While the Raiders could be in the quarterback market this offseason, don’t be surprised if Aidan O’Connell gets another year under center, especially if Antonio Pierce keeps the head coaching job. More importantly, there isn’t a quarterback worth drafting with this pick, so the team turns their attention to improving an already solid defense.

14) New Orleans Saints – Jared Verse (EDGE – Florida State)

Cameron Jordan recently said he plans to play in 2024. However, he had only two sacks this season, his lowest total since his rookie year. Regardless, New Orleans needs to add talent to their defense line. Verse had nine sacks in back-to-back seasons at Florida State and should make an immediate impact.

15) Indianapolis Colts – Jer’Zhan Newton (DL – Illinois)

The future is bright for Indianapolis, with Anthony Richardson as the franchise quarterback. The team could draft a wide receiver with this pick, especially if Michael Pittman Jr. leaves in free agency. However, Grover Stewart is a free agent. Meanwhile, DeForest Buckner turns 30 in the offseason, making defensive tackle a significant need for the Colts.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Arizona Cardinals receive pick 16. Seattle Seahawks receive picks 21, 70, 136.

16) Arizona Cardinals (via Seahawks) – Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – LSU)

After missing out on Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick, the Cardinals send Seattle two of their 13 projected draft picks to jump over multiple wide receiver-needy teams. Arizona could franchise tag or sign Marquise Brown in the offseason, but letting him walk is also on the table. The Cardinals need to give Kyler Murray another weapon, even if Brown returns.

17) Jacksonville Jaguars – Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)

Jacksonville has a lot to fix this offseason. At the top of the list is their pass defense. They surrendered the sixth-most passing yards in the NFL in 2023. Tre Herndon is a free agent this offseason, while Darious Williams is entering the final year of his contract.

18) Cincinnati Bengals – JC Latham (OT – Alabama)

Injuries to Joe Burrow derailed the Bengals’ 2023 season. The franchise quarterback has taken too many hits in his career. Jonah Williams is a free agent, while Jackson Carman isn’t an ideal replacement option at right tackle.

19) Green Bay Packers – Cooper DeJean (DB – Iowa)

The Packers’ secondary could look drastically different in August compared to today. Jaire Alexander has struggled to stay healthy the past few years, and his future with the team is up in the air after getting suspended. Many believe DeJean can play cornerback or safety, which is good because Green Bay needs help in both areas.

20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keon Coleman (WR – Florida State)

Everyone in Tampa Bay wants Mike Evans back on the team following his impressive 2023 season. However, the Buccaneers might need to use the franchise tag to keep the star wide receiver in town. Furthermore, he turns 31 during the offseason and won’t be around forever. Regardless of who is under center next year, the team needs to give him another weapon.

21) Seattle Seahawks (via Cardinals, Houston) – Kamren Kinchens (S – Miami)

Seattle likes to move around on draft day. Since the team doesn’t have a second-round pick because of the Leonard Williams trade, don’t be surprised if they move back in the first round. After securing a pair of extra draft picks, the Seahawks still land their target. Quandre Diggs and Julian Love are entering the final year of their contracts, while Jamal Adams will likely get cut in March.

22) Los Angeles Rams – J.J. McCarthy (QB – Michigan)

While many expected the Rams to enter a rebuilding phase last offseason, the team got back into the playoffs after a one-year absence despite not having a first-round pick. Matthew Stafford played outstanding in the second half this season, but 2024 could be his last year in the NFL. McCarthy is a raw prospect but could turn into a star after learning from Sean McVay and Stafford for a year on the bench.

23) Pittsburgh Steelers – Amarius Mims (OT – Georgia)

Last year, the Steelers started to improve their offensive line, using their first-round pick on Broderick Jones. The team should keep rebuilding their offensive line by reuniting Jones with his former Georgia teammate – Mims. Whoever plays quarterback for Pittsburgh in 2024 will thank the team for this move.

24) Miami Dolphins – Graham Barton (OL – Duke)

Injuries have crushed the Dolphins this year. They have lost multiple starters for weeks at a time and a few to season-ending injuries. Whether Barton stays at offensive tackle or slides inside, he should start as a rookie for Miami.

25) Philadelphia Eagles – Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)

The Eagles brought back Darius Slay and James Bradberry last offseason when it looked like both would move on. In hindsight, Philadelphia might have wished they let both leave, as they have struggled this year. Even with both players under contract through the 2025 season, the team needs to add some youth to their cornerback unit.

26) Kansas City Chiefs – Troy Fautanu (OL – Washington)

Kansas City brought in two new starting offensive tackles last year. Donovan Smith had an up-and-down season and is a free agent this offseason. Meanwhile, Jawaan Taylor was a laughing stock on social media early in the year. With Trey Smith entering the final season of his rookie deal in 2024, the offensive line is a sneaky need for the Chiefs.

27) Houston Texans (via Cleveland) – Laiatu Latu (EDGE – UCLA)

Head coach DeMeco Ryans did an excellent job in his first year with the Texans. Not only did the rookie coach take a three-win team in 2022 and turn them into a 10-win AFC South division champions, but he also got 12.5 sacks out of Jonathan Greenard. The problem is that Greenard had only 10.5 career sacks entering the season and is a free agent. Even if he returns, Houston should add to their pass rush unit opposite Will Anderson Jr.

28) Detroit Lions – Bralen Trice (EDGE – Washington)

Aidan Hutchinson has become one of the NFL’s best pass rushers in his second year. However, he accounted for 28.1% of Detroit’s sacks this season and was the only edge rusher with more than two. Trice has had at least seven sacks in back-to-back years, including two in the college football playoff game against Texas.

29) Buffalo Bills – Troy Franklin (WR – Oregon)

Unfortunately, the Bills will have some massive decisions in the offseason. Gabe Davis is a free agent, while Stefon Diggs has had a second-half collapse in back-to-back years. Regardless of one or both returns in 2024, Buffalo should give Josh Allen another young weapon after drafting Dalton Kincaid in last year’s draft.

30) Dallas Cowboys – Xavier Worthy (WR – Texas)

There might not be a better wide receiver in the NFL than CeeDee Lamb right now. However, the rest of the receiving core is average at best. Brandin Cooks had a solid season but is entering the final year of his contract. With Lamb up for a massive extension in the offseason, Cooks and Michael Gallup could be cap casualties, resulting in the Cowboys adding a wide receiver in the first round.

31) San Francisco 49ers – Kamari Lassiter (CB – Georgia)

The 49ers had one of the top defenses in the NFL this season. Their defensive line and linebacker units are arguably the best in the league. However, their secondary had their struggles in 2023. With Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, and Ambry Thomas set to hit the open market after this year, San Francisco should plan ahead.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Atlanta Falcons receive pick 32. Baltimore Ravens receive picks 43, 74.

32) Atlanta Falcons (via Ravens) – Bo Nix (QB – Oregon)

If the Falcons pass on a quarterback with the eighth overall pick, don’t be surprised to see them trade back into the late first round for one, even if they add a veteran like Russell Wilson in free agency. By moving back into the first round, Atlanta gets the fifth-year option on Nix’s rookie contract. Furthermore, it keeps a team like the Las Vegas Raiders or New York Giants from trading up early on Day 2 for the last viable starting quarterback prospect.

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.