2024 Mock Draft 2.0: Drake Maye falls to Giants; Eagles take powerful edge rusher

Now that the NFL season is officially complete with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, 25-22, the NFL draft takes center stage with the order officially set. The Senior Bowl earlier this month introduced a number of potential first-round picks, but with the NFL combine on the horizon, the top of the draft could look much different this time next month.

In our first mock draft, released in January, the Eagles took their right tackle of the future in BYU offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia. This year’s offensive line class is strong, but could the Birds wait to address that need and instead look to fill more pressing holes on defense?

Here’s how we’re projecting the first round will play out in our second mock draft of the cycle ...

Note: This draft projection will not include any trades.

» READ MORE: NFL mock draft 1.0: Who goes first? Who do the Eagles take? Who gets Marvin Harrison Jr.?

Just like in mock draft 1.0, the Bears reset their quarterback clock and pick Caleb Williams. Finding a trade partner for Justin Fields before the draft could allow them to recoup a Day 2 pick in return as well.

In this scenario, the Commanders skip Drake Maye — and not because he isn’t worthy of being selected here. Maye could be the top pick in any other draft class, including this one depending on whom you ask. But Jayden Daniels’ dual-threat ability just makes too much sense in their potential up-tempo offense under Kliff Kingsbury.

Drake Maye is on the board here for the Patriots, and quarterback is a big need for them. But no matter whom they select here, weapons are needed. Philly native Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best overall player in this draft; if New England wants a quarterback-friendly contract, signing a bridge QB in free agency — or trading for one — may be a better use of resources.

Malik Nabers has awesome creativity as a route runner, winning from multiple alignments against various defensive backs of different size and skill. Nabers immediately boosts Arizona’s receiving corps, forming a nice tandem with quarterback Kyler Murray.

While this mock draft has no trades, this is the first spot where one could happen. The top two wideouts are gone with Maye still on the board. With Jim Harbaugh taking over the Chargers, an emphasis on upgrading the trench play could lead Los Angeles to take a tackle here, specifically 20-year-old Joe Alt, who brings high-level run-blocking ability coupled with sound technique as a pass protector.

The Giants have plenty tied up in Daniel Jones, but everyone can see how badly this offense needs an upgrade at quarterback. Wide receiver Rome Odunze is available here, but getting the quarterback right is the most important thing you can do. And Maye — who can operate from the pocket and on the move while fitting passes into tight windows — checks the boxes.

» READ MORE: Five potential Eagles draft targets who improved their stock at the Senior Bowl

Olu Fashanu gives the Titans a dependable and capable pass protector to preserve Will Levis for the long-term. This tackle class is too talented to wait to upgrade the position later in the draft, despite the skill players available at this pick.

Raheem Morris brings a defensive-minded approach as the new head coach and there’s no better way to start your regime than by building around the disruptive presence Jared Verse brings. Verse plays with an old-school mentality as a power pass rusher, excelling in his speed-to-power conversions.

Caleb Williams throwing to D.J. Moore and Odunze, an outstanding deep threat who makes contested catches, could make Chicago’s offense a must-watch.

The top two tackles are gone. And although Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga had a fantastic Senior Bowl week, proving he can be a high-level offensive tackle, JC Latham has the upside to sneak into the top 10. Latham’s undeniable strength will upgrade the Jets’ run game, as he continues to get more consistent as a pass protector.

This is one of the few spots where slotting J.J. McCarthy makes sense in the first round. At Michigan, McCarthy thrived off play-action passes and moving the pocket, a similar scheme to what Kevin O’Connell runs in Minnesota. With Kirk Cousins’ future in question, the Vikings need to find a backup plan at quarterback.

Laiatu Latu won’t blow you away with his athleticism or short arms, but his refined hand-usage, skilled pass-rush plan, and relentless pursuit makes this a home-run pick for the Broncos. Latu would be my pick for the defensive player who is likely to have an immediate impact from Day 1.

Quarterback could be in play here for the Raiders, but the right tackle spot is an area of concern on that offensive line. With a run-first mentality on offense, Fuaga can consistently cut off front- and backside defensive linemen on wide zone runs and showed a balanced approach as a pass protector in Mobile.

» READ MORE: Senior Bowl 2024: Offensive linemen Tyler Guyton, Jackson Powers-Johnson among Day 1 standouts

Pass rusher is a big area of need, but defensive back Marshon Lattimore could be a trade candidate for the Saints as they look to improve their ever-changing cap situation. Adding Terrion Arnold, who displayed his playmaking skills this season with five interceptions and 12 pass breakups, can infuse talent at an inconsistent position group.

Taking Brock Bowers here has been a popular pick, but with starting defensive tackle Grover Stewart set to hit free agency, the Colts need a playmaking defensive tackle. Texas’ Byron Murphy II fits that role, possessing heavy hands to win as a pass rusher and the ability to handle double teams as a run blocker.

The Seahawks invested resources in their offensive line over the last couple of drafts and should continue to do so by adding Jackson Powers-Johnson. During Senior Bowl practices, Johnson proved he could handle different styles of pass rushers at both guard and center, and would solidify Seattle’s core offensive line for years to come.

The Jaguars could have gone receiver here, but getting a big, physical corner in Kool-Aid McKinstry would upgrade a defensive back room that already has one talented corner in Tyson Campbell. While McKinstry needs to answer some questions about his long speed at the combine, he has nice size and instincts, particularly in zone coverage.

Easily a top-10 talent in this class, Brock Bowers somehow falls to the back half of the first round, filling a void that could be left with the potential departure of Tee Higgins. Bowers missed four games because of injuries this season, but he has the speed to be a vertical seam threat and can create explosive plays with the ball in his hands.

» READ MORE: Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell, a Senior Bowl practice standout, has a common thread to Eagles’ Nick Sirianni

Byron Young had an excellent rookie season for the Rams, but the outside linebacker room needs to be infused with more high-end talent. Dallas Turner projects as a standup edge rusher who has exciting explosiveness and tools, although he is still developing as a pass rusher. His relentless pursuit and play-strength can pair nicely alongside Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner, and the aforementioned Young.

Mike Tomlin does not hide his appreciation for players during the draft process, and with how well Quinyon Mitchell performed in Mobile, don’t be surprised if he ends up with the Steelers. Mitchell showed the ability to operate in press-man coverage at the Senior Bowl, an aspect of his game that wasn’t tested much on his college film. Patrick Peterson is aging and Mitchell would be an excellent pairing with Joey Porter Jr.

The Dolphins miss out on Jackson Powers-Johnson but instead add Troy Fautanu, who has excellent movement skills as a run blocker to fit Miami’s outside running scheme. With Isaiah Wynn and Robert Hunt both hitting free agency this offseason, Fautanu can slide inside after playing tackle in college.

» READ MORE: The Eagles have the No. 22 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Here are 4 prospects they could target.

While defensive back does not end up being the pick here, the Eagles add more juice to their pass rush, adding Bralen Trice, a potential option at pick No. 22 we mentioned last month. Using a power-rush style, Trice uses his size and strong hands to work through the chests of opposing offensive linemen, finishing the 2023 season with a 16.4% win rate in pass-rushing situations, per Pro Football Focus. He could fill Brandon Graham’s role if he is not retained next season.

The Texans’ adding Jer’Zhan Newton, a top-15 talent in this class, to a young defense that flies to the football feels like a steal here. His size — he’s listed at 6-foot-2, 295 pounds — may scare some teams away, but his consistent activity and disruptiveness would be an excellent fit for DeMeco Ryans’ squad.

Tyler Guyton, one of the big winners from Senior Bowl week, is light on his feet at 6-foot-7, 328 pounds. The former tight end plays with outstanding balance and foot quickness and can be a long-term replacement at tackle if Tyron Smith finds a new home in free agency.

Cooper DeJean is a playmaker with experience at both outside corner and nickel, finishing his college career with three pick-sixes. While Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes can hold down the fort on the outside, DeJean could make a successful transition early to a nickel or safety in Green Bay, forming an exciting trio in their secondary.

Graham Barton, who played at center as a freshman in 2020, spent the last three seasons at left tackle. Robert Hainsey played the entire season as the starting center for injured Ryan Jensen, who recently retired. The left guard position looks like a glaring need for the Bucs and Barton can slide to the interior to address that need.

After adding Malik Nabers, the Cardinals add Ennis Rakestraw, who is a smaller outside corner with blazing speed and the ball skills to also play the nickel position. His ability to challenge wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, along with his speed, will allow him to make an immediate impact for Arizona’s defense.

Stefon Diggs faded down the stretch of the season and Gabriel Davis could be on his way out via free agency. Adding Brian Thomas Jr., a vertical threat with size and reliable hands who can seamlessly fit with Josh Allen and the Bills offense, would open up one-on-one opportunities for Diggs and tight end Dalton Kincaid.

The Lions defensive back room desperately needs an upgrade. Nate Wiggins’ fluidity out of his backpedal and quickness closing on routes looks similar to that of Christian Gonzalez last season. His length and athleticism will allow him to thrive in Aaron Glenn’s defensive scheme.

Measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 286 pounds with 34¾-inch arms at the Senior Bowl, Darius Robinson moves and plays like a player who is 20 pounds lighter, exploding off the football and then using his length to create separation from offensive linemen. His style of play as a power rusher and his versatility to play the three-technique just makes sense in Baltimore.

Trent Williams is still one of the league’s premier left tackles, but the right tackle spot needs a long-term answer after the 2025 season. Amarius Mims has excellent size and athleticism to become a long-term right tackle option, despite his overall inexperience with just seven collegiate starts.

The NFL combine probably weighs the most for Keon Coleman, whose evaluation differs from person to person. The size (6-4, 210) is alluring, but his route tree is pretty limited at this stage of his development. His ball skills and body control on 50/50 passes would be too good to pass up for a Chiefs receiving core in need of stars.