With just days remaining before the 2024 NFL Draft, we present a mock draft projecting the first round of selections. Breaking from tradition, this mock draft focuses on what teams should do rather than what they might do. Offensive linemen feature prominently, with five quarterbacks and eight offensive linemen predicted to go in the first round. Notably, the first defensive player off the board is neither an edge rusher nor a cornerback.
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy has emerged as a potential top-five pick in the upcoming NFL draft, with his stock rising rapidly after a stellar postseason draft process. Following an impressive performance in the Rose Bowl, McCarthy impressed decision-makers at the NFL Combine and Pro Day, showcasing his ability to make every throw in an NFL route tree. Betting markets are now offering value on McCarthy to be drafted in the top five, with multiple teams reportedly interested in trading up to select a franchise quarterback.
The New York Giants are facing a crucial decision regarding their quarterback position. Despite having signed Daniel Jones to a lucrative contract last year, the team has been linked to several prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, team ownership is reportedly hesitant to trade up for a new signal-caller after such a significant investment in Jones. The Giants currently hold the No. 6 overall pick but may need to move up to secure their desired quarterback. The team’s long-term financial commitments to Jones and the potential availability of other talented players in the draft further complicate their decision-making process.
The Commanders have maintained their stance that they are not interested in trading away the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, it has been reported that the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 13 pick, have expressed interest in moving up to the top spot. This suggests that the Raiders are prepared to make a trade with a team in the top 10 to acquire the quarterback they desire.
Despite amassing impressive stats and leading the Cowboys to regular season success, Dak Prescott remains without a Super Bowl victory. With his contract expiring, questions linger about his ability to elevate the team to the championship level, similar to iconic Cowboys quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. Prescott is entering the final year of his contract without a guarantee of a long-term deal, adding intrigue to his future in Dallas. Critics point to his 2-5 postseason record, but analyst Troy Aikman believes in Prescott’s potential, comparing his early struggles to Peyton Manning’s journey to success.
Despite a poor performance against Notre Dame, Caleb Williams remains the consensus top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While some evaluators have concerns, experts believe the game revealed his dynamic playmaking abilities, similar to Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson in their worst collegiate outings. Williams’ high ceiling and leadership qualities indicate that the Chicago Bears made a wise decision in selecting him as their franchise quarterback.
NFL insider Mike Florio suggests that Tom Brady’s recent comments about potentially returning to play in 2024 are not merely speculation but a genuine desire to rejoin the league. Despite retiring in 2023 and having media commitments with Fox and the Las Vegas Raiders, Florio believes Brady wants teams to know he’s available to fill in as a starting quarterback in case of injuries. However, others close to Brady maintain that he has moved on to other pursuits.
In a sign of support for her son’s recent trade to the Denver Broncos, Lisa Wilson, the mother of former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, expressed optimism about his future. She shared her excitement on Instagram Stories, writing, “Excited for a fresh new start. Let’s go!” and posting a video displaying orange and blue balloons with Broncos flags outside her door.
Zach Wilson started the season as the Jets’ primary quarterback after Aaron Rodgers sustained an injury, but he struggled to meet expectations, leading to his eventual trade. Wilson, who was the No. 2 overall pick by the Jets in 2021, will now join a Broncos team with an open competition for the quarterback position, with Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci currently on the roster.
The Broncos, led by head coach Sean Payton, hold the 12th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Payton will aim to improve upon Denver’s disappointing 2023 season and build a strong team for the 2024 season.
The Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed exclusive rights free agent quarterback Jake Browning to a two-year deal, the team announced on Tuesday. Browning, 28, has been with the Bengals since 2021 and emerged as a reliable backup to Joe Burrow last season. In nine games with seven starts, he threw for 1,936 yards and 12 touchdowns with seven interceptions while completing 70.4 percent of his passes. Additionally, the Bengals have signed quarterback Logan Woodside, a former seventh-round pick who spent last year with the Atlanta Falcons.
The 2024 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and the San Francisco 49ers have a number of needs to address on the offensive side of the ball. With their first first-round pick in over two years, they will have the opportunity to select a player who can make an immediate impact.
There are a number of talented offensive players available in this year’s draft, and the 49ers should have no shortage of options to choose from. Here is a look at some of the top prospects at each offensive position, both inside and outside the top 100, who could potentially be a fit for the 49ers.
