The Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings are now part of the quarterback search prior to the 2024 NFL Draft, as indicated by CBS Sports’ latest first-round mock draft this week. There is a prediction of a surge in the selection of quarterbacks early in the draft next month, and one of those could potentially be former Michigan standout J.J. McCarthy.

Coach Jim Harbaugh of the Chargers praised McCarthy as the best in his position for this cycle during a Monday statement and foresees him being picked within the top 10. Following recent changes in their quarterback lineups, the Broncos and Vikings might look to move up and secure a quarterback after the initial picks made by the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders.

The New England Patriots are also preparing for a rookie quarterback after trading Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Check out the most recent CBS Sports mock draft for the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft following Harbaugh’s notable endorsement and anticipated shifts.

The Chicago Bears select Caleb Williams, a quarterback from USC.

With the Bears parting ways with Fields and not receiving much in return, Caleb Williams emerges as the clear choice to potentially uplift the franchise. Despite Deion Sanders advising Williams to seek opportunities away from Chicago due to the cold weather, the Colorado coach’s suggestion might not sway Williams. Eager to embark on his professional journey, Williams expressed last month that he is open to being selected by any team. In contrast to earlier rumors linking Williams to Washington under Kliff Kingsbury, a highly skilled player in this draft cycle recently mentioned that Chicago could suit him well.

The Washington Commanders pick Jayden Daniels, a quarterback from LSU.

While Jayden Daniels could potentially be the top pick, if not, he is expected to be chosen shortly thereafter. Sam Howell showed promise at times, but Washington traded him to the Seattle Seahawks, leaving the Commanders without a key quarterback. This is where Daniels comes into play. It is anticipated that Washington will opt for the next top quarterback after Williams goes to the Bears. Daniels had an impressive season, finishing with 3,812 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, 1,134 rushing yards, and 10 touchdowns.

Minnesota Vikings acquire Drake Maye, quarterback from UNC in a hypothetical trade with the New England Patriots.

It’s certain that the Vikings will select a quarterback in this draft following Cousins’ departure, but the question remains as to who that will be. In the latest CBS Sports mock draft, Minnesota trades up to pick No. 3 by making a deal with the Patriots, who are also looking to draft a quarterback after trading Jones to Jacksonville. Drake Maye, a record-breaking quarterback from UNC with over 8,000 passing yards and 63 touchdown passes, is considered a highly probable top-five pick by most analysts. Despite opting out of throwing or participating in on-field drills at the combine like Williams and Daniels did, Maye’s talent is widely recognized.

The Tennessee Titans acquire Joe Alt, offensive lineman from Notre Dame, in a simulated trade with the Arizona Cardinals.

Joe Alt, recognized as one of the nation’s most reliable offensive linemen last season, was a key player for Notre Dame. He played a significant role in supporting Audric Estime’s exceptional rushing performance, which cemented Estime’s position as a top-10 prospect. Alt also provided strong protection for quarterback Sam Hartman throughout the season, showcasing his consistent performance. Alt is considered a reliable player deserving of a long-term contract, especially for a team like the Titans in need of offensive line assistance. Whether it’s Alt, Amarius Mims, or Olu Fashanu, the Titans are expected to prioritize bolstering their offensive line through a potential trade-up scenario.

The New York Jets acquire Marvin Harrison Jr., wide receiver from Ohio State, in a hypothetical trade with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Is it possible for the most skilled non-quarterback prospect to drop to the fifth overall pick? Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State, a player who might have been a top pick if it weren’t often dominated by quarterbacks, has had limited on-field exposure to scouts this spring.

He chose to skip the combine and Ohio State’s Pro Day. Despite his lack of visibility, this has not impacted his draft value negatively. There is a probability that he could exceed the achievements of his accomplished father in the professional league if he keeps progressing as an exceptional player.

The New York Giants select Malik Nabers, a wide receiver from LSU.

Malik Nabers, similar to Harrison, is a game-changer ready to make big plays with a skill set that promises immediate success in the NFL. The New York Jets, in need of more playmakers, could greatly benefit from Nabers’ abilities as he is poised to excel right from the start. Nabers, who narrowly missed winning the Biletnikoff Award after an outstanding season as Jayden Daniels’ primary target, not only showcases exceptional hands and route-running skills but also proves to be a challenge for defenders to tackle after making receptions.

The Arizona Cardinals, in a mock trade with the Titans, select Rome Odunze, a wide receiver from Washington.

Rome Odunze, a wide receiver from Washington, competes with other top-tier wideout prospects such as Harrison and Nabers, which is an impressive group to be associated with. Odunze excelled in college football last season, demonstrating a unique proficiency in catching back-shoulder passes and producing in the red zone. He posed a significant challenge for defensive coordinators due to his exceptional route-running skills and excellent hands.

Among the wide receivers, three are considered potential top-10 picks. While it’s not unlikely for Odunze to be selected ahead of Nabers, it seems unlikely that any elite target will be picked before Harrison.

The Atlanta Falcons select Dallas Turner, an edge rusher from Alabama.

The Atlanta Falcons, with the expectation of a quick turnaround following the signing of Cousins, are considering Dallas Turner, an edge rusher from the University of Alabama, as a potential first-round pick.

Turner, who was a freshman All-American and later won the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 250 pounds, meeting the desired physical attributes for a future first-round selection.

In his career, he achieved personal bests with 13.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Turner, who often played as a hybrid defender with the freedom to roam in various roles, is known for his speed and athleticism. He has demonstrated the ability to effectively fight off double-teams and is expected to be a three-down threat in the NFL.

In a simulated trade with the Chicago Bears, the Denver Broncos draft J.J. McCarthy, a quarterback from Michigan.

J.J. McCarthy’s draft stock has significantly increased since the end of the season, following a series of impressive victories against top-tier opponents such as Ohio State, Iowa, Alabama, and Washington, which helped Michigan secure its first national championship since 1997.

McCarthy, who is known for his mobility and strong arm, fits the profile of what teams look for in a top-five pick. In this updated mock draft, the Denver Broncos trade up to select McCarthy as the fourth quarterback taken in the first round with the ninth overall pick.

The Los Angeles Chargers make a hypothetical trade with the New York Jets to acquire Taliese Fuaga, an offensive tackle from Oregon State.

Fuaga, at 6 feet 6 inches and 332 pounds with an impressive wingspan, has a track record of rarely allowing sacks throughout his college career, establishing himself as one of the most reliable players on the offensive line in the Power Five conferences.

Jim Harbaugh has highlighted the offensive line as a key area of interest for the Chargers. If this pick remains with New York, the Jets could opt for one of these top-tier tackle prospects to provide immediate support on the offensive line, especially with Aaron Rodgers set to return at full strength next season. Another viable option could be Olu Fashanu, a potential pick for a team in need of a cornerstone tackle.

11. New England Patriots acquire Olumuyiwa Fashanu, offensive tackle from Penn State in a simulated trade with the Minnesota Vikings.
12. Chicago Bears select Jared Verse, edge rusher from Florida State University.
13. Las Vegas Raiders draft Quinyon Mitchell, cornerback from Toledo.
14. New Orleans Saints pick Troy Fautanu, offensive lineman from Washington.
15. Indianapolis Colts choose Terrion Arnold, cornerback from Alabama.

    Fashanu’s undersized hands compared to players of his stature at the combine could be a factor contributing to his placement outside the top 10. Many teams are in need of a reliable tackle to safeguard their quarterback, and Fashanu fits that bill. He likely would have been a first-round selection in the 2023 draft but opted to return to Penn State for another season in pursuit of a Big Ten championship.

    As for Arnold, will he be the first cornerback taken in this draft cycle? The top contenders for this position appear to be him, his former Alabama teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry, or Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, as indicated by most insiders. Speculation arose regarding Arnold possibly returning to Alabama after the Rose Bowl when he mentioned having “unfinished business.” Despite a social media post hinting at his return, Arnold never explicitly stated he would come back in 2024. Considering his draft stock, it seems he made the correct decision.

    

    16. Seattle Seahawks select Amarius Mims, offensive tackle from Georgia.
    17. Jacksonville Jaguars pick Adonai Mitchell, wide receiver from Texas.
    18. Cincinnati Bengals draft Byron Murphy II, defensive lineman from Texas.
    19. Los Angeles Rams choose Johnny Newton, defensive tackle from Illinois.
    20. Pittsburgh Steelers opt for Graham Barton, offensive lineman from Duke.

    Following the NFL Combine, Mims has frequently been predicted to go within the top 10, but that’s not the case here. As a preseason All-SEC First Team choice at right tackle, Mims played in seven games last season. An ankle injury during the conference opener against South Carolina sidelined him for six games, leading to necessary surgery. According to Dawgs247, Mims returned to play against Ole Miss but suffered a re-injury to his ankle early in the SEC Championship Game loss to Alabama. This forced him out of the first half, causing Georgia to reshuffle its offensive line. Injuries have played a significant role in Mims not being projected in the top 10.

    21. Miami Dolphins add Laiatu Latu, edge rusher from UCLA.

16. 21. Philadelphia Eagles select Nate Wiggins, cornerback from Clemson.
    22. New England Patriots acquire Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver from LSU in a simulated trade with the Minnesota Vikings.
    23. Dallas Cowboys pick Jackson Powers-Johnson, interior offensive lineman from Oregon.
    24. Green Bay Packers choose Cooper DeJean, cornerback from Iowa.

    As reported by Hawkeye Insider, DeJean established himself as one of the nation’s top shutdown cornerbacks and exceptional return specialists. Despite missing the final four games of his collegiate career due to a practice injury, he was still unanimously named as an All-American. DeJean, who did not take part in the combine

    

17. 26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Brock Bowers, tight end from Georgia.
    27. Arizona Cardinals draft Kool-Aid McKinstry, cornerback from Alabama.
    28. Buffalo Bills pick Tyler Nubin, safety from Minnesota.
    29. Detroit Lions add Chop Robinson, edge rusher from Penn State.

    Robinson concluded his time at Penn State by securing All-Big Ten first-team recognition in his junior year. In 10 games, Robinson recorded 15 tackles (12 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one pass breakup, five quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles. Due to an injury, he missed two games and part of a third. With Tampa Bay in need of assistance in their pass rush, Robinson would bring immediate impact to the team.