It’s now “unofficially official” that the Chicago Bears are set to draft 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. General manager Ryan Poles has traded Justin Fields, the Bears’ embattled three-year starter, to Pittsburgh, setting the stage for a new quarterback in Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Vikings have made a bold move, securing another first-round pick (No. 23), which could give them a shot at drafting a quality quarterback as well. With just over a month until the draft, the stage is set for an intriguing and unpredictable sequence of events.
1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): QB – Caleb Williams, USC
Trading Justin Fields has solidified the Bears’ strategy for the 2024 NFL Draft, beginning at 8 p.m. on April 25th. Caleb Williams, with his electric passing skills and knack for improvisation, poses a constant challenge to defenses.
Williams stands out for his accuracy on the move, ability to deliver passes from unconventional angles, and playmaking with his legs. However, should the Bears select him, his first and most crucial task will be to earn the trust and respect of a locker room previously rallied around Justin Fields.
2. Washington Commanders: QB – Jayden Daniels, LSU
With Chicago trading quarterback Justin Fields, Washington’s chances of moving up to select Caleb Williams have likely dwindled. Luckily for the Commanders, another thrilling quarterback prospect remains within reach. Jayden Daniels brings elite athleticism and NFL-caliber passing skills, with a quick release that allows him to launch deep throws effortlessly. Alongside his passing talents, Daniels has Olympic-level speed, making him a serious threat to break away when pressured and forced outside the pocket.
3. New England Patriots: QB – Drake Maye, North Carolina
With quarterback struggles plaguing New England in recent seasons, it’s likely they’ll join the race for a top prospect in this draft. Fortunately, this year’s class is notably deep at quarterback, and Drake Maye could be the solution to their issues. Standing at 6’4” and 230 pounds, Maye’s size, precise ball placement, and understated athleticism make him a strong fit for an offense looking to elevate its performance.
4. Arizona Cardinals: WR – Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
5. Minnesota Vikings (via LA Chargers): QB – J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
The Vikings’ pre-draft moves could potentially set them up to trade into the top five and secure their quarterback of the future. Minnesota might propose a deal to the Chargers, offering their 11th overall pick, the 180th pick (4th round), and a fourth-rounder in 2025, to jump to the fifth spot and select J.J. McCarthy. A national champion quarterback, McCarthy is known for his reliable decision-making, strong athleticism, and efficient, compact throwing motion.
6. New York Giants: WR – Rome Odunze, Washington
If the Vikings leapfrog New York to draft McCarthy, the Giants might take notice. Still, with needs across multiple positions, New York could turn its focus to securing a top-tier wide receiver—an area they’ve struggled to address for years. Rome Odunze could be an ideal fit; he’s a high-character, driven athlete with a relentless work ethic. Odunze showcases excellent hands, strong tracking skills on deep passes, and an impressive ability to elevate his game in critical moments.
7. Tennessee Titans: OT – Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Joe Alt is an exceptionally skilled blocking technician, with his towering 6’8”, 322-pound frame and superb balance making him a dependable blind-side protector. Despite his imposing size, Alt’s flexibility and agile footwork often catch pass rushers off guard, surprising those who assume they can outmaneuver the big lineman.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Edge – Dallas Turner, Alabama
With veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins now signed to a four-year, $180 million deal, the Falcons are positioned to potentially select the first defensive player in the draft. That player could be Laiatu Latu, an impactful pass rusher who relies more on athleticism than refined technique. His high potential and athletic prowess make him a promising prospect, with his upside more than compensating for any current technical limitations.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (via Chicago): OL – Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Despite being a team that has won 25 games and made a Super Bowl appearance in the last two years, the Eagles are now teetering on the brink of a rebuild. With the recent retirement of long-time center Jason Kelce, Philadelphia faces a gap in leadership and “toughness” on the offensive line. General manager Howie Roseman, known for his focus on building strong trenches, may look to trade up for Fuaga, a relentless blocker who never allowed a sack in college and brings an aggressive style that fits Philadelphia’s line well.
With two second-round picks (#50 and #53), Philadelphia could leverage a swap of first-round picks (#22 for #9) with Chicago, plus offer their 53rd pick in the second round and a third-round pick in 2025 to acquire Fuaga.
10. New York Jets: OT – Olu Fashanu, Penn State
The Jets may not be pleased if the Eagles move ahead of them to draft Fuaga, a player that many analysts believe New York covets. However, with this draft class being deep in offensive linemen, selecting Olu Fashanu could serve as a strong alternative. Fashanu’s athleticism and his knack for effectively engaging in space beyond the line of scrimmage make him an enticing prospect.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (via Minnesota): WR – Malik Nabers, LSU
“Fortune favors the bold,” and the Chargers are taking a gamble by trading down from the fifth overall pick to the 11th, potentially positioning themselves to draft Malik Nabers. His knack for exploiting defensive backs, along with his precise angled cuts, makes Nabers a dependable target on any down. In this trade, Los Angeles may also gain Minnesota’s 108th pick (4th round) and an additional fourth-round selection in 2025, enhancing their draft strategy while adding an elusive receiver.
12. Denver Broncos: QB – Bo Nix, Oregon
After potentially losing out on several quarterback prospects, the Broncos may overrate Bo Nix, given their pressing need at the position. Lacking a second-round selection, Denver might believe that Nix won’t be available by the time they pick again at 76. Nix brings considerable experience, having played in over 60 college games, and boasts impressive stats with a 77 percent completion rate, 4,454 passing yards, and 45 touchdowns.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: CB – Terrion Arnold, Alabama
The Raiders might opt to select the first cornerback in the draft, bolstering their defense to tackle the challenge posed by Patrick Mahomes in the competitive AFC West. Eli Ricks had an impressive season, recording 61 tackles, defending 11 passes, and intercepting five for Alabama. This could make him an attractive choice for Las Vegas as they seek to strengthen their secondary.
14. New Orleans Saints: DL – Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
The Saints are facing an aging defense and need to bring in younger talent that embodies the determination to succeed. The 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Maason Smith, plays with a confident boldness that drives him to overcome opposing offenses. He is incredibly quick and purposeful in his movements, adept at shedding blocks and pursuing ball carriers effectively on running plays.
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