2024 NFL Mock Draft: Bears and Commanders Find New Franchise QBs?

After establishing the 2024 NFL Draft order for non-playoff teams, the franchises at the top will now commence their research on potential top prospects for April. With the conclusion of the 2023 NFL regular season, the draft order has become clearer. The Carolina Panthers have officially granted the Chicago Bears the first overall pick in the draft.

The Chicago Bears have a decision to make with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft – whether to choose a quarterback or trade down and potentially build a team around Justin Fields. While it appears likely that the Bears will opt for a new quarterback and start afresh, nothing is certain. Additionally, other teams picking high in the Draft, such as the Washington Commanders, who have undergone ownership changes and dismissed Ron Rivera, may also be in search of a quarterback. Considering these factors, it seems fitting to put together a 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

1. The Chicago Bears should consider trading Justin Fields, as he has not demonstrated the potential to be a successful NFL franchise quarterback. By doing so, they can obtain a valuable draft pick and start afresh with Caleb Williams, the talented quarterback from USC who bears striking similarities to Patrick Mahomes. Williams has the potential to become the starting quarterback for the Bears from Week 1, infusing new energy into the franchise. Additionally, with the improvement of the Bears defense in 2023, the team could be a formidable force in 2024 with Caleb Williams leading the offense.
2. It is a clear choice for the Washington Commanders to select Drake Maye as their quarterback from UNC. They should not move from their position unless they receive an incredibly enticing offer for the second pick. Maye’s qualities closely resemble those of Justin Herbert and he possesses exceptional athleticism and the ability to make all types of throws on the field. Additionally, Maye stands out due to his stature, making him a standout prospect and possibly one of the best quarterbacks in recent years.
3. In this mock draft, the New England Patriots will not be trading for the top three selections. The Patriots have struggled to acquire wide receivers in recent years. However, in this draft, they are able to secure Marvin Harrison Jr, who is considered the finest non-quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Harrison Jr. has the potential to become one of the top 10 players in his position, and his lineage as the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison gives him an added advantage. It is highly anticipated that Harrison Jr. will excel at the professional level.
4. In a trade during the 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons have moved up in the draft order, acquiring Jayden Daniels from LSU. The Arizona Cardinals, who already have a talented quarterback, made the trade to add more draft assets in order to improve their roster.
5. To maximize Justin Herbert’s potential, the Los Angeles Chargers must make the most of their available resources. Given that Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, their top receiving options, are either ageing or prone to injuries, the Chargers have secured an exceptional talent in Brock Bowers from Georgia, who possesses rare abilities at the tight end position. Bowers’ impressive receiving skills make him a perfect fit as the Chargers’ primary tight end for the foreseeable future.
6. The New York Giants are in need of reinforcements in the offensive line, wide receiver position, and at quarterback. In a mock draft scenario, they are successful in acquiring LSU’s talented wide receiver prospect, Malik Nabers. Nabers, who hails from a notable wide receiver program, has showcased his skills by accumulating impressive stats of 2,500 yards and 17 touchdowns in the past two seasons. His exceptional performance makes him a definite top-10 pick in the upcoming draft in April.
7. The Tennessee Titans have a promising opportunity. By keeping their No. 7 pick, they can secure Joe Alt, who is considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Alt is a talented player with a strong background at Notre Dame, a renowned institution for producing exceptional offensive linemen such as Quenton Nelson, Ronnie Stanley, and Mike McGlinchey.
8. The Arizona Cardinals are focusing on strengthening their offensive line after losing LT DJ Humphries to a torn ACL towards the end of the season. By selecting Olu Fashanu, they will have a young tackle duo with him and Paris Johnson Jr. Safeguarding Kyler Murray is of utmost importance, and this decision could potentially enable the team to pursue a notable interior offensive lineman signing in 2024.
   Additionally, the Cardinals have a need to enhance their wide receiver group.
9. After selecting Caleb Williams as their first choice, the Chicago Bears continue to enhance their offensive lineup by recruiting Keon Coleman, a talented wide receiver from Florida State. With his exceptional skills, Coleman has the potential to perfectly complement DJ Moore, the Bears’ existing star wide receiver. By opting for Coleman in the first round, the Bears would secure one of the most formidable wide receiver duos in the NFL, ensuring that Williams has a top-notch receiving corps at his disposal.
10. To ensure the safety of Aaron Rodgers in 2024, the New York Jets select JC Latham from Alabama for their team. Although Latham has mainly played as a right tackle at Alabama, the Jets may consider trying him out at left tackle initially. Latham possesses sufficient skill to excel as a left tackle in the future, which is crucial for safeguarding Rodgers’ vulnerable side.