2024 NFL mock draft: Post-free agency edition

The NFL looks a whole lot different than it did this time last week.

A busy first wave of free agency, which included one particularly notable draft-related trade, figures to have a significant impact on how the NFL draft shakes out in April.

See below for our latest first-round projections.

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Now that the Justin Fields question has been answered, you can lock in Williams for the No. 1 slot. The Bears are certainly doing all they can to ease the USC star's transition to the pros by adding Keenan Allen in a trade.

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Jayden Daniels could be the pick here; it certainly seems like he's getting hype as QB2. But we're not buying it just yet. Maye is the far more complete prospect and should be a slam-dunk selection for the Commanders.

MOCK TRADE: Raiders move up from No. 13 in deal with Patriots

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

The Patriots clearly need a quarterback. But will they take Daniels or opt to move back and get a haul of future first-round picks? Our bet is the latter, and they deal the pick to the Raiders. Antonio Pierce is familiar with the Heisman winner from his time at Arizona State and opts to get aggressive in ensuring Gardner Minshew isn't the only addition to his quarterback room.

MOCK TRADE: Vikings move up from No. 11 in deal with Cardinals

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Another blockbuster. Landing an extra first-round pick from the Texans last week was a clear sign that the Vikings are plotting a move up for a quarterback. In this scenario, they flip both No. 11 and No. 23 to land McCarthy as the replacement for Kirk Cousins. While Minnesota could aim higher, a deal for No. 4 likely wouldn't require any future first-rounders.

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

The Chargers will rush to the podium to make this pick if Harrison is available at No. 5. After cutting Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen, there's a clear need at receiver for Jim Harbaugh. The former Michigan coach is very familiar with Harrison's work from their time as rivals in the Big Ten.

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The Giants should be in the market for a quarterback, but there's no sense in forcing it here with the consensus top four already off the board. A dynamic receiver like Nabers can also help elevate the passing game. The LSU product has superstar potential at the next level.

Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

The Titans took care of their receiver need with the Calvin Ridley signing, so they go with Alt at No. 7. The Notre Dame product stands a whopping 6-foot-8 and will immediately become a cornerstone for Tennessee under new head coach Brian Callahan.

Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

The Falcons took care of their most pressing need with a big-money move for Kirk Cousins in free agency. Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore also provide a much-needed boost to the receiving corps. That clears the way for Atlanta to zero in on pass-rushers, and Turner is the best in this year's class.

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

The Bears almost surely wouldn't expect Odunze to be available at No. 9 - but if he is, they'll jump at the chance to bring him aboard. The Allen trade from the Chargers was a short-term fix to help Williams as a young quarterback, but Odunze provides an excellent long-term option as a top pass-catcher.

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

The Jets have three new starters on the offensive line after signing Tyron Smith and John Simpson and trading for Morgan Moses. That trio of savvy moves will allow New York to turn its attention to the skill positions. Bowers is an elite playmaker at tight end.

MOCK TRADE: Pick received from Vikings in deal for No. 4

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Arizona plays the draft perfectly, moving back to accumulate picks but still getting a top receiver in Thomas. The LSU standout is a red-zone machine and will give Kyler Murray a much-needed elite talent at receiver after Marquise Brown departed in the offseason.

Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Ideally, this pick comes after a trade down; perhaps there's a team in the late teens willing to move up for an offensive tackle. But it shouldn't come as a surprise if Nix ends up at No. 12, either. Denver didn't make a move for a quarterback in free agency, and the club doesn't have a second-round pick. Nix could be a solid fit in Sean Payton's offense, even if he's selected earlier than some expect.

MOCK TRADE: Pick received from Raiders in deal for No. 3

Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

The Patriots' rebuild doesn't appear to be one that can be done quickly. That thinking is behind the decision to move out from No. 3 and back to No. 13. That allows them to grab a franchise tackle in Fashanu and address the quarterback issue down the road.

Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

A receiver would be nice in this spot, but an early run at the position might make that tough. The Saints also have a major need in the pass-rush department. Verse is a supremely athletic edge defender who could help the defense rebound after a frustrating 2023 campaign.

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Arnold is an elite corner who would easily be a top-10 pick in a draft not laden with offensive talent. He brings arguably the most well-rounded skill set of any defensive player in the draft and will be a key addition for a team that faces both C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence twice a year.

Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

The Seahawks could go in a number of directions with this pick, but upgrading the pass rush feels like the most ideal scenario. Latu is a polished edge prospect who should have a major impact from Day 1.

Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

We see the offensive line as a major need for the Jags, but keeping Cam Robinson on the roster and extending Ezra Cleveland suggests that the team doesn't necessarily agree. The defensive backfield should also be a priority, and DeJean is an impressive athlete with playmaking traits.

Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

The Bengals have a massive hole at right tackle. Fuaga is a borderline top-10 talent who may fit that spot better than any other player in this draft. This is a home-run pick for Cincinnati.

Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

First, let's make it clear that Murphy isn't Aaron Donald. However, the Texas star is an explosive interior lineman who's a major disruptor in the opposition's passing attack. He won't be able to replace the legendary tackle, but he can at least soften the departure in Los Angeles.

Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

The Steelers doubled down in addressing their most important offseason need, acquiring both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to overhaul the quarterback room. The next order of business: improving the pass protection up front. Powers-Johnson has Pro Bowl potential at center or guard.

Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Fautanu is an ideal fit for the track team Mike McDaniel is clearly assembling on offense in Miami. The Washington tackle is as explosive a lineman as there is in the draft, turning in an impressive 5.01 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine.

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Eagles have been busy in free agency, addressing a number of roster needs with Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Devin White, among others. Landing Mitchell to upgrade the cornerback group could be the final piece for a dream offseason in Philly.

MOCK TRADE: Pick received from Vikings in deal for No. 4

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

The trade back by the Cardinals already turned into a receiver at No. 11 and now nets Wiggins at No. 23. The Clemson corner turned heads at the combine with a blazing 4.28 time in the 40-yard dash.

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

The Cowboys have some massive shoes to fill on the offensive line after letting Tyron Smith walk in free agency. Guyton's pass-protection prowess makes him a natural fit at left tackle, and this kind of move would allow Dallas to keep All-Pro guard Tyler Smith on the interior.

JC Latham, OT, Alabama

After swapping Aaron Jones for Josh Jacobs in the backfield, the Packers grab an absolute beast in the run game. While the massive right tackle has work to do in pass protection, Latham should be a Day 1 starter for the Packers' up-and-coming offense.

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

The Bucs should be in the market for a young cornerback after trading Carlton Davis to the Lions. McKinstry could round out a solid trio alongside Jamel Dean and Christian Izien.

Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

With receiver and corner off the board already for the Cardinals in Round 1, the NFC West club grabs the talented defensive tackle out of Illinois. Newton is a disruptive force with excellent pass-rush moves from the interior to collapse the opposition's pocket.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

The Bills are going to have to add a receiver at some point. Gabe Davis left in free agency, and Stefon Diggs' future in Buffalo is seemingly always up in the air. Mitchell is a supremely talented wideout who could quickly outperform his draft position as a top target for Josh Allen.

Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Lightning strikes twice just one year after Brian Branch fell into the Lions' hands due to a poor 40-yard dash time. This year, it's Coleman out of Florida State - a receiver many tabbed as a top-20 pick before a 4.61 run in the 40 slowed that hype. However, don't be fooled by the stopwatch, Coleman's game speed is exceptional and will make a number of teams regret not taking the chance before No. 29.

Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

The Ravens made a huge splash in free agency with the addition of Derrick Henry. While another receiver could be a nice way to round out the offense, perhaps a veteran addition is more likely in that spot. Robinson is an athletic freak who could take Baltimore's pass rush to the next level.

Graham Barton, OL, Duke

The 49ers grab the versatile Barton from Duke in a move that could fill a number of roles on the offensive line. He likely projects at center in the professional ranks, but his experience at tackle will be vital for the Super Bowl finalists.

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Signing Marquise Brown in free agency means the Chiefs don't have to force a receiver pick here. Mims is an incredibly talented tackle prospect who would've been drafted much earlier were it not for a relative lack of experience. Filling the left tackle spot with a high-upside pick like this has the potential to be a major steal for the defending champs.

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