Lance Zierlein 2024 NFL mock draft 3.0: Giants trade up for QB Drake Maye; WR Ladd McConkey to Chiefs.
As we move closer to the actual NFL draft, I try to lock in my mock process by venturing into each general manager’s headspace and hypothesizing what the thinking could be relative to draft capital, needs and the board in general. One of the best ways to get a feel for how a team might proceed is to scour its draft history for potential clues on which positions the organization prioritizes and the kinds of players that thrive in the building. Sometimes that information is right in front of your face.
In my third simulation of the initial 32 picks, I decided to be more aggressive with the trade market, projecting four first-round deals. That still pales in comparison to the early action in the last two drafts, which saw six (2023) and nine (2022) trades on the event’s opening day.
1
Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
(via CAR)
Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams
USC · QB · Junior
At this point, anything other than the Bears taking Williams with this selection would be a shock.
Pick
2
Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels
LSU · QB · Senior
Kliff Kingsbury helped Johnny Manziel win the 2012 Heisman Trophy as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M and handpicked 2018 Heisman winner Kyler Murray as head coach of the Cardinals. I see the Commanders giving their new OC another dual-threat quarterback in Daniels, who just so happened to hoist the Heisman this past December.
Pick
3
New York Giants
New York Giants
Drake Maye
Drake Maye
North Carolina · QB · Sophomore (RS)
PROJECTED TRADE WITH NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
In this three-spot move up the board, the Giants probably have to pay more than the standard trade chart would indicate, since the supply side of the quarterback position is dwindling but the demand remains high. Brian Daboll fostered Josh Allen’s raw talents in Buffalo and could have a chance to do the same with this toolsy but inconsistent North Carolina product.
