Cat Scratch Reader
A weekly projection of what all 32 teams will do with their picks at the 2024 NFL Draft
CSR Mock Draft 5.0 is now upon us. This is the final one before the real deal, the big kahuna, the actual real-life NFL Draft. As such, I decided to try to make this my most realistic mock so far. We’ll see how accurate it is after the fact.
For this mock draft, I once again used the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator and took control of all 32 teams for two rounds. I had fun with some interesting trades, using Drafttek’s draft pick trade value chart to make the trades as even as possible.
Without further ado, here it is, this week’s CSR Mock Draft:
First Round
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
If the Bears don’t select Caleb Williams, I’ll go vegan for the rest of my life. That’s how certain I am that this will happen.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Jayden Daniels was reportedly upset that he and the other quarterback prospects had a group date with the Commanders. Still, I doubt he pulls an Eli Manning and forces his way out of Washington.
3. Minnesota Vikings (via NE): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The Patriots are officially “open for business” at the third overall pick. McCarthy would be a surprise to go over Maye, but O’Connell comes from the McVay tree where the quarterback just needs to not mess things up. Here are the details of the trade:
Vikings Receive: Pick 3
Patriots Receive: Picks 11, 23, and a 2025 first round pick
4. Arizona Cardinals: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
There is way too much smoke about Malik Nabers being the first wide receiver off the board. His explosive potential makes the Cardinals decide to add fire to that smoke.
5. Denver Broncos (via LAC): Drake Maye, QB, UNC
WIth the surprise slipping of Drake Maye, Denver pounces to grab the talented but inconsistent signal caller. The Broncos are apparently just as desperate as the Vikings to grab a quarterback, and this is the ideal spot. Here are the details of the trade:
Broncos Receive: Pick 5
Chargers Receive: Picks 12, 76, and a 2025 second round pick
6. New York Giants: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio St
The Giants need offensive weapons, and four of the first five picks being quarterbacks allows them to take one of the top tier receivers. Though Harrison doesn’t have the explosive acceleration Malik Nabers does, he has exceptional polish and will be a productive receiver right out of the gate.
7. Chicago Bears (via ATL): Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Bears have apparently been fans of what the Texans did in last year’s Draft in grabbing their quarterback and edge rusher of the future. They know the Falcons would likely jump on Dallas Turner, so they jump them in the order. Here are the details of the trade:
Bears Receive: Picks 7 and 146
Titans Receive: Picks 9...
