2024 NFL mock draft: Post-combine edition
The conclusion of the NFL Scouting Combine means it's time for another mock draft.
Here's our latest look at how the first round could shake out after an eventful week in Indianapolis.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
We're not changing our minds on this one, and we don't expect the Bears to do so, either. Williams is a truly elite quarterback prospect and would be Chicago's first franchise player at the position in, well, ever.
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Maye's measurements of 6-foot-4, 223 pounds at the combine confirmed he possesses the best size for a prototypical NFL quarterback. His arm strength is also top tier, and he can make any type of throw. While there's a drop from Williams to Maye, the North Carolina star is firmly QB2.
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Patriots are the first logical trade-down candidate in this draft. But they need to find a way to get a quarterback, too. Staying put and taking Daniels, a dual-threat star with plenty of college experience, is a great first step for rebuilding this offseason.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Harrison didn't participate in much at the combine, but he did interview with several teams. The Cardinals were impressed after meeting with the Ohio State star, a source told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. That should essentially seal the deal for the NFC West club if he's available at No. 4.
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Chargers could use a playmaker or two, depending on who gets cut to address their cap issues. But addressing the offensive line is probably even more important given the way we know Jim Harbaugh wants his team to play. Alt and Rashawn Slater would be one of the league's premier tackle tandems.
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Giants haven't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. - who's already played for three teams since leaving New York. Nabers projects to stop that porous run with a pro-ready skill set after a dominant career at LSU.
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Odunze is only available at this point because of a truly stacked receiver class. The Washington standout provides a major upgrade to the supporting cast around second-year quarterback Will Levis.
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
While most expected Turner to shine at the combine, the Alabama standout took it up a notch with an incredible showing. Turner showed off his absurd athleticism with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, 10-foot-7 broad jump, and 40.5-inch vertical. That certainly caught the eye of the Falcons, who opt to obtain their new quarterback via trade or free agency and draft the talented edge instead.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Thomas already had a legitimate case as a top-15 talent heading into the combine. The LSU star's 4.33-second 40 time should send his draft stock through the roof. That kind of speed at 6-foot-3 makes Thomas an incredibly intriguing complement to D.J. Moore.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The question at No. 10 doesn't seem to be if the Jets will take an offensive lineman - it's which one they'll select. Fashanu gets the nod to bolster the offensive line in New York, with the Penn State star's ideal blend of size, strength, and athleticism sealing the deal.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
McCarthy's draft stock is on the rise, so the Vikings might have to trade up to make this happen. But pursuing such a deal could be their best option with Kirk Cousins headed for free agency. There's a legitimate case to be made that McCarthy offers much more than he was able to show in Michigan's run-first offense.
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
With four quarterbacks off the board, Sean Payton opts to strengthen the secondary to help face in-division star quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. Arnold is the true CB1 of this draft and will partner with fellow Alabama alum Patrick Surtain II to give the Broncos one of the best young cornerback duos in the league.
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Trading up for a quarterback won't be cheap. The Raiders should be interested either way, but sticking at this spot and upgrading the offensive line isn't such a bad option, either. Fuaga is a powerhouse right tackle who can help establish a physical run game.
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Do the Saints desperately need a tight end? No, but if Bowers is somehow still around at No. 14, they'll likely take the plunge. The Georgia product was one of the most dangerous offensive players in college football last season and will give New Orleans a prolific pass-catcher to help take the attention off Chris Olave.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Mitchell was our pick for the Colts last time around, and we're feeling even better about that after a stellar combine performance. The Toledo product would fill a major need for Indy with the kind of athleticism this front office loves.
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Verse showed off some impressive strength and speed at the combine, running a blazing 4.58-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds. He also put up 31 reps on the bench press to show he's more than just a speed demon. Verse is exactly the type of versatile defender the Seahawks covet.
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Jacksonville's efforts to upgrade the supporting cast around Trevor Lawrence should start up front. Latham could team up with 2023 first-rounder Anton Harrison to give the Jaguars an outstanding young pair of bookend tackles.
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
With only eight starts in three years, Mims represents potential instead of polish at the offensive line position. However, he possesses elite size at 6-foot-7, 340 pounds and is one of the most athletic tackles in the draft. That'll catch the attention of the Bengals, who seem to be on a never-ending journey to find adequate protection for Joe Burrow.
Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The Rams must ensure the offensive line remains strong if they're to get the most out of Matthew Stafford at this stage in his career. Fautanu could be a Day 1 starter at either tackle or guard.
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Wiggins should slot in across from Joey Porter Jr. to give the Steelers an impressive pair of young corners. The speedster from Clemson posted an outrageous 4.28-second 40-yard dash to wow all onlookers at the combine.
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
The Dolphins have to find a way to upgrade the offensive line regardless of Terron Armstead's playing future. Guyton is an athletic tackle prospect who could be a Day 1 starter on either side of the line.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
McKinstry didn't work out at the combine due to a Jones fracture in his foot, but he should recover in time for his pro day at Alabama. His 40-yard dash time will be heavily scrutinized, as it's the only question mark keeping him from a top-20 selection.
Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas
Finding an interior defensive lineman to complement Will Anderson's presence on the edge should be a major focus for the Texans. Staying in-state with Texas standout Murphy represents some incredible value toward the end of the first round.
Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
The Cowboys opt for the incredibly polished linebacker out of Texas A&M at the No. 24 slot. Cooper flies around the field and is just as adept at stepping up in the run as he is at dropping off into coverage. It might not grab headlines like a new receiver, but Cooper is a very solid pick for Dallas.
Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Green Bay has needs at both cornerback and safety. DeJean, the latest in a long line of top defenders from Iowa, is capable of filling either role. His playmaking ability will be valuable no matter where he lines up.
Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Robinson's production at Penn State may not blow scouts away, but his eye-popping athleticism will allow him to sneak into the first round. A sub-4.50 time in the 40-yard dash at 254 pounds was one the most noticeable sprints of the combine - the Bucs will covet that burst coming off the edge.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Few players boosted their profile at the combine more than Mitchell did. The former Georgia and Texas standout peeled off a blazing 4.34 time in the 40-yard dash and flashed his explosion with a broad jump of 11-feet-4 and a vertical leap of 39.5 inches. That athletic profile at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds could make him the new lead WR in Arizona.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Worthy's unbelievable 4.21-second 40-yard dash set a new NFL combine record. Speed isn't everything, but that should be more than enough to get him late first-round consideration. His fit in a vertical offense with Josh Allen is particularly enticing.
Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
The Lions are only a few pieces away from legitimate Super Bowl contention. Newton fills one major need on the interior defensive front, giving Detroit a pass-rush complement to star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Don't be fooled by a disappointing 4.61 time in the 40-yard dash - Coleman's play speed is fast enough to make him worthy of a first-round pick. The Florida State star flew through the pass-catching drills at the combine to ease those concerns and has plenty of punt-return prowess on his tape to show he's an elite athlete.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Powers-Johnson should be long gone by this point, but centers tend to drop further than they should. You won't be hearing any complaints from the 49ers in this scenario. The Oregon standout should be a high-level starter from Day 1.
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
After winning the Super Bowl with a less-than-stellar receiving group, the Chiefs immediately move to fix that at the end of the first round. Franklin showed off his game-breaking speed with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and immediately steps into the role vacated by the departing Marquez Valdes-Scantling.