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2024 NFL Draft: Free agent moves shake up new CBS Sports mock draft, full first round predictions

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Nick Kosko | Last updated 3/12/24

After some free agent moves on the first day, the latest CBS Sports NFL Mock Draft is here with some changes.

Teams addressed needs in free agency so now it can affect who they take in the first round. That includes some quarterback shifting within the top 15!

Let’s dive into CBS Sports’ mock draft from Chris Trapasso as free agency affected selections.

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 (at some point) and in comes Williams. It’s hard to envision a scenario where this doesn’t happen.

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB – LSU

The Heisman Trophy winner will be the new face of the Washington Commanders. He has serious franchise quarterback vibes and could turn this team around in a hurry.

Daniels is a true dual threat and only got better as he progressed in college. If this happens, the dual-threat gets a chance to work with Kliff Kingsbury. He didn’t work out as a head coach but he’s got quite the creative offensive mind.

3. New England Patriots: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Ohio State

The Patriots get veteran Jacoby Brissett back under center for a one year deal, so Trapasso opts for a weapon rather than a young quarterback. Harrison Jr. is a can’t miss prospect though.

Perhaps the Patriots decide to go with a QB here, but Harrison Jr. is as enticing as it gets. As long as someone gives him the ball, this is good.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Rome Odunze, WR – Washington

So with no Harrison Jr. available, the Cardinals go with the second best wide receiver on the board. Odunze is considered in that class of top 10 worthy picks.

As long as the Cardinals feed Kyler Murray weapons, Arizona’s offense will be better off in 2024. Odunze is a do it all type of wide receiver.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Taliese Fuaga, OT – Oregon State

The Chargers need some protection for Justin Herbert and we know Jim Harbaugh likes building through the trenches. If Herbert is upright, Los Angeles is already ahead of the game on offense.

If this is the style Harbaugh wants, he can do no wrong with Fuaga, who is a dog at tackle. He’ll bring quite the physicality up front.

6. New York Giants: J.J. McCarthy, QB – Michigan

Here’s a big change in recent mock drafts and it’s been getting buzz lately. McCarthy is a prototypical quarterback but his stats did not jump off the page.

However, he’s a field general and a bonafide leader, according to Jim Harbuagh. Trapasso has McCarthy as the new franchise face in New York. An interesting pick to say the least.

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. Whoever is taking snaps behind center next season, Alt should be able to protect him 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. Trapasso seems to think so as well. The Falcons could get an instant pass-rushing starter here.

9. Chicago Bears: Malik Nabers, WR – LSU

The Bears get a quarterback and now they get a wide receiver within the first 10 picks. It’s a pretty good haul on paper isn’t it?

Nabers was part of an explosive LSU offense in 2023 led by Daniels. But Nabers was one of his favorite targets and he certainly made opposing defensive backs look pretty silly.

10. New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT – Penn State

The Jets need a franchise tackle as well, especially for an older Aaron Rodgers. Fashanu is a day one starter for this team.

They better get him here because according to this mock, two tackles are already off the board. He was one of the best at Penn State in recent memory.