Peter Schrager 2024 NFL mock draft 1.0: Giants leap up for J.J. McCarthy; Vikings stick and pick CB, QB

As I’ve reported, the Bears had a great meeting with Caleb at the NFL Scouting Combine, followed by a pair of enjoyable dinners in Los Angeles (before USC’s pro day) and Chicago (before the quarterback’s visit to Halas Hall). The team is all in. And so, from what I’m told, is Williams.

After skipping measurements in Indianapolis, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner pleasantly surprised many folks at LSU’s pro day by weighing in at a pretty robust 210 pounds. As of today, I think Daniels is the pick at No. 2.

Despite lots of smoke that New England could trade down, I believe this new Patriots regime will be comfortable with either Jayden Daniels or Maye. Pats brass took Maye out for steaks the night before his Foxborough visit earlier this month, and those guys loved the Charlotte native. That said, they also loved their top-30 visit with Daniels. I think they’re fine with whichever one falls to them. New England also wined and dined QB J.J. McCarthy on Monday night, but I still see this selection being Daniels or Maye.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH ARIZONA CARDINALS

New York moves up two spots — tossing Arizona this year’s third-round pick (No. 70 overall) and next year’s second-rounder — to land McCarthy. This is merely a mock draft, but I could see this deal coming to fruition. Joe Schoen didn’t draft Daniel Jones, J.J. checks a lot of boxes, and Big Blue can get out of Jones’ contract after this upcoming season. I assume that this projection could make headlines in New York. That’s fine. I know the Giants have been going through all of the quarterback prospects diligently, as they should be.

Some teams like Malik Nabers more than Harrison. Others may like Rome Odunze. But I think Harrison’s ultimately the first receiver taken, and he would be a perfect match with both Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH NEW YORK GIANTS

The Cardinals trade back two spots, yet still scoop up a No. 1 wideout for Kyler Murray. Odunze’s a tough, smart player — the perfect kind of building block for this franchise in this moment.

Standing nearly 6-foot-9 with nimble feet, the Notre Dame star is the son of former Pro Bowl OT John Alt. Getting a towering protector for Will Levis‘ blind side would be yet another chef’s kiss on what has been an incredible offseason for Tennessee.

With a top-10 pick in each of the past three drafts, the Falcons have gone tight end, wide receiver, running back. Thus, I can’t see them targeting WR Malik Nabers this time around, as tempting as that might be. Instead, Atlanta fills a long-standing need on the edge with the explosive pass rusher out of Alabama.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHICAGO BEARS

Indianapolis sends Chicago a future second-round pick in order to move up six slots and pounce on Nabers, the star receiver out of LSU. In an AFC South that saw the Jaguars, Texans and Titans all aggressively attack free agency, Colts GM Chris Ballard shows he has some tricks up his sleeve, too.

This is a special prospect. In fact, I’ve been told by multiple general managers that I’m not high enough on Bowers and that his ability after the catch sets him apart from just about every tight end prospect since Kyle Pitts. Excellent player, a winner and another weapon for Aaron Rodgers to exploit — this pairing does indeed make a ton of sense.

The Vikings stay put to take a top corner and great all-around prospect. Arnold arrived in Tuscaloosa as a five-star safety, then played inside and outside corner under Nick Saban. He flourished and was the Alabama defense’s field general last season. Great juice and a leader. Sam Darnold will be the Vikings’ Day 1 starter in this scenario, but that doesn’t mean Minnesota’s done with the quarterback room …

Viewed by many as the best pure pass rusher in the draft, Latu absolutely could end up in Denver if the board falls this way. The Broncos would, of course, love to move up and get a top-four quarterback, but I just don’t think they have the ammunition. They’d have to really love Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. to take either at No. 12 overall. (Like really, REALLY love.) So Latu’s the prediction here.

The Raiders should focus on strengthening their offense in this draft. It would be logical to further bolster the O-line. Tom Telesco, who was successful with most of his first-round picks as the general manager of the Chargers, is now aiming to replicate this success with the rival Raiders. Fashanu could potentially be the most promising of all these tackle prospects.

Fuaga primarily plays as a tackle, but possesses the skills to fill any position on the offensive line if required. This choice may not excite everyone in New Orleans, but I envision it as a key pick by the Saints’ management. The player from Oregon State is known for his aggressive play and relentless determination.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

After piling up more draft capital by trading back, the Bears still land a stud offensive tackle. Latham could be the second OT taken on draft night — some teams like him that much. If the board falls this way, Chicago adds a big, pedigreed bookend who can join last year’s first-round tackle, Darnell Wright, in protecting the new franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams.

The Seattle Seahawks secure the versatile offensive lineman from the University of Washington, keeping their pick local. Fautanu can be placed anywhere along the front as needed, and his agile and aggressive blocking style provides a significant upgrade to the unit from the first day.

At No. 17, the Jaguars are thrilled to nab a cornerback with everything you want at the position: size, speed, playmaking ability … and irrational confidence. I loved Mitchell saying he’s the greatest football player ever to come out of the MAC. Jack Lambert, Randy Moss, Ben Roethlisberger — watch out!

Murphy is the top interior defensive line prospect in this class. He has interviewed well and was a workout warrior in Indy. B.J. Hill and free-agent addition Sheldon Rankins are solid veterans inside. Murphy would fortify the group with his highly disruptive game.

I’ll go on record with something of a guarantee here: If the Rams do not trade back, you better believe Sean McVay’s first-ever first-round selection will be an offensive player. Los Angeles shored up its interior O-line in free agency. Guyton — a bit of a project, but someone who can play either tackle spot — gives Matthew Stafford another promising young guy to protect him in his 16th NFL season.

I’m still keeping an eye on Steelers GM Omar Khan to make a splash at wide receiver this offseason. Could that be a trade for Brandon Aiyuk? If not, Thomas is a special talent who helped himself at the combine as much as any player at the position.

At this point, Verse could come off the board at various junctures of the top 25, and I wouldn’t be surprised. In a relatively down year for D-line prospects, Verse does a lot of things well. Versatile and experienced, he lined up everywhere for the Seminoles as a productive game wrecker. The Dolphins’ D lost two big pieces up front in free agency: Christian Wilkins and Andrew Van Ginkel.

DeJean had an outstanding college career and showed out at his private workout. He can play corner or safety and is a special teams Swiss Army Knife. Is 22 too rich? Maybe. But I can see him in an Eagles uniform. 

Nix has potential to be selected as high as 11, 12, or 13, or he might not be picked in the first round at all. It seems plausible that he could be chosen at 23 by the Vikings, or another nearby team through a trade-up. One notable fact about Nix is his precision; he recently set the FBS record with a completion percentage of 77.45 in the last season. He’s also a smart processor. These traits are highly sought after by offensive coaches and quarterback experts, such as Kevin O’Connell and Sean Payton. It’s conceivable that Nix could play under either of these strategic masterminds.

Officially the fastest man in combine history, Worthy would be a wonderful addition as a deep threat for Dak Prescott. With contract issues looming over Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, the selection of Worthy would show both a commitment to adding pieces on offense without sacrificing major cap space in free agency.

Mims, a colossal offensive tackle standing almost 6-8 and weighing 340 pounds, demonstrates great potential even though he lacks experience at Georgia, only starting eight games. He’s displayed promising moments in major games. This year’s draft is abundant with wide receivers and O-line players. Last season, the Packers got substantial output from their young wide receivers and tight ends. Thus, they forgo selecting a first-round wide receiver and instead pick a talented offensive tackle prospect.

Tampa has subtly had one of the most successful offseasons in the league, managing to keep many important players from last year’s Divisional Round team. However, they still need to strengthen their offensive line. Barton, who played both tackle and center at Duke, could fill either of these roles in the NFL.

Robinson is climbing up the ranks in this draft class, possibly even making the top 20. This wouldn’t surprise me, given his versatility, experience, and high energy. The Missouri native has attracted a lot of attention within the league. The Cardinals are likely to pick up a wide receiver and a pass rusher in the first round, addressing two critical areas.

The Bills remain in their position and still manage to secure one of the top wide receiver prospects in the draft. Mitchell, who is big, fast, and physical, is highly regarded in league circles. Some other mock drafts predict him going higher, but I could see him lasting until the mid-to-late 20s.

Frazier is a former state wrestling champion who’s nasty, versatile and hungry. This is a Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell prospect if there ever was one, with the West Virginia product oozing bulldog characteristics. If we learned anything from the Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell picks last year, it’s that the Lions draft guys they like, as opposed to dwelling on needs and perceived positional value.

The pipeline from Alabama to Baltimore continues to thrive, despite Ozzie Newsome’s advisory position and Eric DeCosta taking the reins. McKinstry exhibits seamless and fluid movement, and even though his 40-yard dash time in Indianapolis wasn’t the quickest, his playing speed didn’t hinder his performance in Tuscaloosa.

McConkey in the first round? Yes. Above guys like Troy Franklin and Keon Coleman? Perhaps. I’ve spoken to a lot of people over the past few months, and I’m not sure there is a single prospect who’s as universally liked and respected as Ladd. Tough, smart, selfless. San Francisco seems like a perfect home.

Polk is a personal favorite — and I keep hearing his name from football people I trust. There’s uncertainty in the Chiefs’ wide receiver room, especially given Rashee Rice’s legal issue. Texas Tech product Patrick Mahomes gets a former Red Raider who spent the past three seasons at Washington, making countless big plays throughout the 2023 Huskies’ run to the national title game.