With less than 24 hours until the 2024 NFL Draft, here are my final predictions for the first round:
1. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Williams, QB
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB
3. Indianapolis Colts: Drake Maye, QB
4. Chicago Bears: Jalen Carter, DT
5. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Addison, WR
8. Carolina Panthers: Will Levis, QB
9. Las Vegas Raiders: Henry To’oTo’o, LB
10. New York Jets: Rome Odunze, WR
The Chicago Bears’ chances of securing a top-tier receiver in the upcoming NFL draft hinge on the New York Giants’ decision with their first-round pick. If the Giants prioritize a quarterback, it increases the Bears’ likelihood of landing a standout receiver at their No. 9 pick. Among the potential targets for the Bears are Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze, all of whom are projected to be selected in the top 10. However, Harrison Jr. is expected to be taken by the Arizona Cardinals, leaving Nabers and Odunze as viable options for Chicago. Ultimately, the Giants’ choice will significantly impact the Bears’ receiver acquisition strategy, as a quarterback selection by New York could lead to a top-tier receiver falling to the Bears at No. 9.
As the NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants face a crucial decision on their course of action. While various options are on the table, including trading up for a quarterback or bolstering their offense, this mock draft simulates a scenario where the Giants prioritize offensive improvements.
In the first round, the Giants address their need for an elite wide receiver by selecting LSU’s Malik Nabers, a player with exceptional receiving skills and the potential to end the Giants’ drought of 1,000-yard receivers. Addressing their defensive secondary in the second round, they draft Rutgers cornerback Max Melton, an athletic playmaker who can fill the void at CB2.
To complement their running game, the Giants add FSU’s Trey Benson in the third round. Benson’s physicality and speed would provide the Giants with a dynamic running back in the absence of Saquon Barkley.
The Arizona Cardinals, currently holding the No. 4 pick in the NFL Draft, find themselves in a position of potential trades due to the highly anticipated drafting of quarterbacks. Reports indicate that the Cardinals have been in conversations with three teams, with a fourth on their radar, and have received trade offers featuring trade parameters for the No. 4 selection. Despite speculation, the Cardinals are believed to still be considering drafting Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 4, though they may not see a significant difference in value between him and LSU’s Malik Nabers. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport believes the team may not trade back too far due to their wide receiver needs. The Cardinals’ interest in wide receivers could benefit the New York Giants, who own the No. 6 pick. If the Cardinals trade down two spots with a team interested in drafting a passer at No. 4, the Giants could potentially acquire either Harrison or Nabers. While the Vikings and Broncos are also in the mix for a wide receiver at Nos. 11 and 12, the Cardinals could decide to make a trade with one of those teams, similar to their move last year where they slid down and then traded back up to No. 6. The Cardinals are expected to make a decision on a potential trade on Thursday night when the draft commences.
The New York Jets have identified several areas to address in the upcoming NFL Draft, with a focus on acquiring offensive talent. General manager Joe Douglas has hinted that the team may consider trading up to select either LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers or Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze in the first round. Both players possess exceptional size, speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, rumors swirl about potential top picks and team strategies. Here are four of the juiciest rumors and an analysis of their credibility:
1. J.J. McCarthy seen as potential No. 2 overall: McCarthy’s draft stock has skyrocketed, but his ability to carry a team remains a question mark. Verdict: Sell
2. Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants competing for No. 3 pick: Both teams seek a franchise quarterback to lead their offenses. Verdict: Buy
3. Malik Nabers challenging Marvin Harrison Jr. as draft’s top receiver: Nabers excels in separation and yards after catch, but Harrison Jr. offers NFL-ready versatility. Verdict: Sell
4. Denver Broncos considering trading Patrick Surtain II for a quarterback: Surtain II is a star cornerback, but the Broncos may sacrifice valuable draft capital to fill their quarterback need. Verdict: Sell
