Joel Klatt releases 2024 NFL mock draft 2.0 after first wave of free agency

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt released his latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft after the first wave of free agency.

There are lots of quarterbacks going in the first round this time around. Not to mention, Klatt projected some trades!

Let’s dive into Klatt’s latest mock draft with all 32 picks of the first round.

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB – USC

This has been the general consensus for a lot of mock drafts and nothing changes here. Williams is the top quarterback in the draft and a chance for the Bears to hit the reset button.

With this selection, gone is former first round pick Justin Fields, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and in comes Williams. It’s hard to envision a scenario where the Bears pick a different QB.

2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB – North Carolina

Klatt opts for Maye here instead of Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner. Maye replaces former UNC QB Sam Howell, who was traded to the Seattle Seahawks.

He has prototypical size, a cannon for an arm and could be the new face of the franchise. It’ll be an interesting partnership with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. 

3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB – LSU

Daniels is now the new face of the Patriots, according to Klatt. A total change from the quarterbacks of the past.

Daniels is a dual threat, the Heisman Trophy winner and a dynamic player. He fits the mold of Jarod Mayo’s new school approach to New England. This would be a fascinating situation.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Ohio State

Harrison Jr. is by far the best wide receiver in this class. With Kyler Murray under center and needing weapons, Harrison Jr. is an obvious pick.

You have to give Murray a legitimate No. 1 pass catcher and Harrison Jr. could turn into one of the best playmakers in the league right away. It’s hard to find an evaluation where you don’t see Harrison Jr. near the top of draft boards.

5. Minnesota Vikings (Projected trade): J.J. McCarthy, QB – Michigan

With Kirk Cousins off to the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings suddenly need a quarterback. After acquiring more picks last week, Klatt projects a trade here with the Chargers.

Now, the Vikings get their new franchise quarterback with a national title-winning QB. McCarthy has the tools, but not the gaudy stats of others. It’ll be an interesting partnership with head coach Kevin O’Connell.

6. New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR – Washington

So with four quarterbacks gone, it looks like Klatt opts to have the Giants add an offensive weapon. Daniel Jones needs more guys to throw to.

Well, Odunze certainly helps. Whether it’s time or Malik Nabers, Odunze is considered the next-best pass catcher behind Harrison Jr.

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT – Notre Dame

So here’s where Alt ends up within the first round of the NFL Draft. He’s been a popular selection around this section anyway.

The Titans get a good one though. Alt should be able to protect whoever is taking snaps behind center next season as a day-one starter and be a franchise piece for the next decade.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE – Alabama

Dallas Turner was a menace for the Crimson Tide over the course of his college career. He seemingly just fits Atlanta right? He logged 10 sacks last year and 22.5 for his career and put up 32.5 tackles for loss.

Raheem Morris might hit a home run with this type of pick in the 2024 draft. Davis seems to think so as well. The Falcons could get an instant pass-rushing starter here.

9. Chicago Bears: Olu Fashanu, OT – Penn State

With a franchise quarterback comes the need for an offensive tackle. Klatt has Fashanu going here and it helps that the Bears already acquired veteran Keenan Allen from the Chargers.

So you might as well keep Williams upright and have him work it out with veterans and young guys at the skill positions. His health is paramount.

10. New York Jets: Malik Nabers, WR – LSU

Now the Jets could use offensive line help as well, but Klatt goes with a wide receiver. We mentioned Nabers before and he won’t last much longer.

Aaron Rodgers gets a playmaker to add to guys like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. It’s definitely flashy and could pay off big time.

Rest of Joel Klatt’s Mock Draft

11. Tennessee Titans (Projected trade): Brock Bowers, TE – Georgia
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB – Oregon
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT – Oregon State
14. New Orleans Saints: Jared Verse, EDGE – Florida State
15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB – Toledo
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, DL – Texas
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB – Alabama
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Thomas Jr., WR – LSU
19. Los Angeles Rams: Amarius Mims, OT – Georgia
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: JC Latham, OT – Alabama
21. Miami Dolphins: Michael Penix Jr., QB – Washington
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL – Oregon
23. Los Angeles Chargers (Projected trade): Tyler Guyton, OT – Oklahoma
24. Dallas Cowboys: Troy Fautanu, OT – Washington
25. Green Bay Packers: Nate Wiggins, CB – Clemson
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., DB – Missouri
27. Arizona Cardinals: Chop Robinson, EDGE – Penn State
28. Buffalo Bills: Cooper DeJean, CB – Iowa
29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB – Alabama
30. Baltimore Ravens: Keon Coleman, WR – Florida State
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT – Illinois
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Troy Franklin, WR – Oregon

The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25th to 27th in Detroit. With more free agency on the horizon, these mocks could see big changes again.