NFL Mock Draft 2024: Chargers beef up for Jim Harbaugh; Lions, Ravens fill needs on defense

Vinnie Iyer

NFL Mock Draft 2024: Chargers beef up for Jim Harbaugh; Lions, Ravens fill needs on defense image

The Super Bowl 58 matchup for Las Vegas is set for Feb. 11 with the NFC champion 49es meeting the AFC champion Chiefs. That also means the first-round order for the 2024 NFL Draft is set through pick No. 30.

With the Lions and Ravens losing on Sunday, they are selecting right behind Bills, who were eliminated in the divisional playoffs. As there's still mystery of what the Bears will do at No. 1, there's not much change at the top, but the latest edition has a shakeup of picks elsewhere.

As the pre-draft process ramps up with the Senior Bowl and the practices leading up to this week, here's looking at the latest updated Sporting News mock draft:

NFL DRAFT: Big board of top 100 players overall, rankings by position

NFL Mock Draft 2024

1. Chicago Bears (from Panthers)

  • Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State (6-3, 202 pounds)

The Bears might think about moving on from Justin Fields as their franchise QB despite his strong play down the stretch. They also could look to trade this pick for the second consecutive offseason to get a haul in return. But if they stand pat, it would be awesome to add Harrison to help Fields after seeing the huge impact of giving him D.J. Moore.

2. Washington Commanders (4-13)

  • Caleb Williams, QB, USC (6-1, 218 pounds)

The Commanders can bring the Washington, D.C., native home should the Bears pass and get a desired franchise QB option for their looming new coaching staff after they hit the wall with overwhelmed Sam Howell. Williams, despite some disappointment to end his Trojans career, remains the complete dual-threat dynamo and worthy team leader.

3. New England Patriots (4-13)

  • Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina (6-5, 220 pounds)

The Patriots have already waved the white flag on Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, neither of whom worked out at all as a pocket passer. Here they can go for the much bigger arm and athletic upside of Maye, who is a better version of Howell, his Tar Heels predecessor.

4. Arizona Cardinals (4-13)

  • Malik Nabers, WR, LSU (6-0, 200 pounds)

The Cardinals won't be re-signing Marquise Brown and need a true No. 1 target as they don't have another such option to complement go-tight end Trey McBride for Kyler Murray. Nabers can be just that with his smooth route-running and hands to go with great quickness.

5. Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)

  • Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois (6-2, 295 pounds)

The Chargers can think about corner, edge rush and offensive line to kick off the first draft under Jim Harbaugh, but they also need to get much better on their interior front. Harbaugh can tap into a former Big Ten foe of Michigan for help. Newton will offer nice natural run-stopping ability and pass-rushing upside for new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

6. New York Giants (6-11)

  • Rome Odunze, WR, Washington (6-3, 201 pounds)

The Giants can also think of upgrading their offensive line but Nabers might be too difficult to pass up to add a much-needed true No. 1 wideout, completing their rebuild with the quick Wan'Dale Robinson and speedy Jalin Hyatt. Odunze is as an explosive size-speed vertical threat in his own right but is also a complete top target.

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7. Tennessee Titans (6-11)

  • Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame (6-7, 316 pounds)

The Titans need to address offensive tackle badly after pass protection was a mess outside, for the sake of Will Levis' bright future. After they chose to take left guard Peter Skoronski in last year's draft. they can tap into the best left tackle option in this class. Alt has a terrific blend of nimble feet and powerful frame. 

8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10)

  • Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU (6-4, 210 pounds)

The Falcons need a franchise QB for a quick turnaround under their new coach as they work to clean up the Desmond Ridder-Taylor Heinicke mess. Daniels is an explosive and fast rushing threat. The reigning Heisman winner also has proved to have a dynamic deep arm. Daniels would allow the Falcons to get the most out of their other recent first-round offensive skill players (Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts) as his physical talent meshes well with all of them.

9. Chicago Bears (7-10)

  • Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama (6-4, 240 pounds)

The Bears used a second-round pick to land former Commanders star Montez Sweat, coming off a 12.5-sack season that gave him his first Pro Bowl nod, but they could use an explosive young end opposite him. Turner is a fine pass rusher but also an impact all-around defender who also makes plays vs. the run.

10. New York Jets (7-10)

  • Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia (6-4, 240 pounds)

The Jets could also think about offensive line help given that was a major issue for their non-Aaron Rodgers quarterbacks. Then again, Rodgers seems to have some control of what they do and should see Bowers is a special mismatch-creating weapon who would play perfectly off Garrett Wilson downfield and Breece Hall out of the backfield.

11. Minnesota Vikings (7-10)

  • Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington (6-3, 214 pounds)

The Vikings can move on from Kirk Cousins and they learned quickly that neither Josh Dobbs nor Nick Mullens nor Jaren Hall could be any kind of real answer beyond short-term injury fill-in. The Kevin O'Connell Rams-like system calls for more of a strong pocket passer first, and the downfield arm and accuracy of Penix should be welcome to get for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

12. Denver Broncos (8-9)

  • Bo Nix, QB, Oregon (6-2, 217 pounds)

The Broncos will work to get out of the Russell Wilson contract in the offseason given Sean Payton benched him late in the season and should be looking for his own QB solution going forward. Nix is an ideal prospect for Payton's system with his arm, athleticism and accurate execution based on his experience.

Best J.J. McCarthy National Championship player props and picks for Michigan vs. Washington.
AP

13. Las Vegas Raiders (8-9)

  • J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan (6-3, 202 pounds)

The Raiders need to decide whether they want to trade for Fields or just find  their own rookie franchise passer who fits their strong running and defensive mentality under now full-time head coach Antonio Pierce.  Aidan O'Connell isn't the answer from the Big Ten, but McCarthy can with the ideal maverick moxie to go with his tough athletic playmaking and strong arm.

14. New Orleans Saints (9-8)

  • Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State (6-6, 321 pounds)

The Saints have some major questions at offensive tackle given Ryan Ramczyk's knee injury, Trevor Penning's struggles and Cameron Erving's pending free agency. Fashanu can give them one strong solution with his well-rounded game and massive frame.

15. Indianapolis Colts (9-8)

  • Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson (6-2, 185 pounds)

The Colts desperately need a coverage and playmaking boost outside in their secondary. Wiggins is a big versatile corner with some real shutdown potential and should be one of their primary targets.

16. Seattle Seahawks (9-8)

  •  Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington (6-4, 256 pounds)

The Seahawks can look down the road in their town for some much-needed four-four pass-rush help. Trice is strong and relentless as the classic end for their scheme even without Pete Carroll.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)

  • J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama (6-7, 340 pounds)

The Jaguars need a strong, athletic rock to put opposite fellow former Crimson Tide star Cam Robinson. Latham can be a dominant right-side force for them to replace Anton Harrison, who might be better suited to play well at guard.

18. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)

  • Keon Coleman, Florida State (6-4, 215 pounds)

The Bengals might be OK letting Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd going in free agency, maybe following former offensive coordinator Brian Callahan to Tennessee. That's because they will be in the wheelhouse to land Coleman opposite Ja'Marr Chase. Coleman is a strong technical receiver after the catch with some big-play and red-zone pop a la Higgins.

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19. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)

  • Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State (6-3, 250 pounds)

The Rams did well with their front seven defensive draft picks in 2023 with nose tackle Kobie Turner and outside linebacker Byron Young. But they need to continue to rebuild their defense with more edge pressure, and Robinson can have immediate situational impact with his pure speed and quickness before rounding out his game.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)

  • Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa (6-1, 209 pounds)

The Steelers need to keep working on their secondary after nabbing Joey Porter Jr. in the first round last year. DeJean would be the ideal Big Ten follow-up pick with his physical coverage and ability to make big plays in multiple capacities.

21. Miami Dolphins (11-6)

  • Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama (6-0, 196 pounds)

The Dolphins need to think more about the near future at corner given Jalen Ramsey is 29 and Xavien Howard is 30 coming off an injury-marred season with too much invested in the position, contributing to salary cap issues. Arnold is a smooth playmaking corner with nice size who would be groomed well under Ramsey.

22. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)

  • Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama (6-1, 195 pounds)

The Eagles must address corner with Darius Slay and James Bradberry aging and their pass coverage falling to pieces with injuries inside in 2023. New defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will love adding McKinstry's playmaking and shutdown upside behind his front seven pressure.

23. Houston Texans (from Browns)

  • Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA (6-5, 265 pounds)

The Texans should be looking for some front four pass-rush help opposite 2023 first-round Will Anderson Jr. with Jonathan Greenard, Derek Barnett and Jerry Hughes all unsigned for 2024. Latu has some versatile pop across the line after his breakout season with 13 sacks from end.

24. Dallas Cowboys (12-5)

  • Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia (6-7, 340 pounds)

The Cowboys know Tyron Smith is an aging pending free agent and they need to get a replacement smooth pass-protector for Dak Prescott. They also could use to boost their perimeter run blocking and the powerful, athletic Mims can be a behemoth with that skill in short time.

Kool-Aid McKinstry
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25. Green Bay Packers (9-8)

  • Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State (6-6, 234 pounds)

The Packers need to address the offensive line depth with Yosh Nijman and Jon Runyan going into free agency and David Bakhtiari nearing 32. Fuaga has natural power as a run blocker and learning to use size well in pass protection. He could end up also being an inside anchor at guard.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8)

  • Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama (6-3, 255 pounds)

The Buccaneers, assuming they re-sign Mike Evans, will pivot from targeting an immediate first-round replacement for him and go for the best impact defensive player available. They have needs at linebacker and corner for Todd Bowles, based on weaknesses and free agency, but they cou ld also use a speedy, quick active playmaking asset on the outside with Shaquil Barrett now 31.

27. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans)

  • Kalen King, CB, Penn State (5-11, 188 pounds)

The Cardinals need to keep addressing their secondary away from young Garrett Williams. King would be a good get for defensive-minded coach Jonathan Gannon, flashing some dynamic on-ball skills to help a budding pass rush.

28. Buffalo Bills (11-6)

  • Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU (6-4, 205 pounds)

The Bills have two good key young targets for Josh Allen in Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid, but Gabe Davis is a pending free agent and Stefon Diggs is showing signs of decline at 30. Thomas would give Allen the classic big-bodied No. 1 with his hands, strength, physicality and route-running prowess.

29.  Detroit Lions (12-5)

  • Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri (6-0, 188 pounds)

The Lions' big issues with downfield cornerback coverage outside finally burned them for good against the 49ers. Rakestraw, a rising prospect to keep watching in the process, will be attractive to Aaron Glenn because of aggressive, fearless and physical man-to-man coverage.

30. Baltimore Ravens (13-4)

  • Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M (6-3, 230 pounds)

The Ravens might not be able to re-sign Patrick Queen so Cooper would be a great replacement target in Mike MacDonald's defense with his speed, quickness and top-rate coverage skills. He also is coming off a huge pass-rush year with the Aggies, recording 8 sacks.

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.