The problem with mock drafts is that even after the regular season is over, any change, no matter how small, can change the direction an organization is headed. Moves by a team’s coaching staff can indicate which positions and, more specifically, which players are prioritized. The Chicago Bears hired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Is this a sign that current quarterback Justin Fields will stick around, or is Chicago leaning toward selecting a signal caller?
The Titans fired former head coach Mike Vrabel and replaced him with former Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. So will Tennessee shift its focus to an offensive concept that can reflect Callahan’s vision for the team?Take a look at this week’s mocks and see for yourself if these current changes best reflect where your favorite team’s design interests are focused.
1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina):
QB – Caleb Williams, USCChicago’s recent hiring of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron could be a sign that current quarterback Justin Fields could be headed to another organization next season. Perhaps Waldron wants to coach and develop players who have less exposure to other NFL coaching systems. Waldron is an experienced offensive coordinator who has interest from multiple teams. His main qualification for the job might be a willingness to coach the all-around talent rather than the more experienced quarterbacks he faced in Seattle.
2. Washington Commanders:
QB – Jayden Daniels, LSUAs design approaches, more important player controls begin to influence the client’s perception and understanding of strengths and weaknesses. Daniels’ rise from a third-round pick to a top-five pick as the 2023 college football season begins shows just how high a player can rise. If he wins the Heisman and ends his college career on a high note, he could become the second pick behind 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.
3. Chicago Bears (via New England):
WR – Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State.Using the Houston Texans playbook as a reference, Bears general manager Ryan Poles can come up with a trade package that could land Chicago with the third overall pick. New England will finish last in the AFC East, dominated by top-caliber quarterbacks (Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers and Tua Tagovailoa). New Patriots head coach (Jarod Mayo) has an experienced team that has 19 unrestricted free agents this year and is projected to have 20 free agents in 2025.
Poland, sensing New England’s need to win now, could trade Chicago’s 2025 ninth-round pick and sixth-round pick for Justin Fields. In return, the Bears receive New England’s third overall pick, the 103rd pick (fourth), and a third- and fifth-round pick in 2025. Once the dust settled, Chicago brought in Marvin Harrison Jr. for the win and caught a pass from Caleb to set up the offense. Williams.
4. Atlanta Falcons (via Arizona):
QB – Drake May, North Carolina.A potential trade between Chicago and New England could give the Falcons a potential franchise quarterback. Therefore, Atlanta could decide to give Arizona the 8th overall pick, the 74th pick (third round) and 2,025 picks in the second and third rounds. Instead, the Cardinals traded their fourth overall pick to the Falcons, giving them the tools to select Maye as their primary pass rusher. Some analysts believe Maye is the “safest” and most reliable quarterback in this draft class.
5. Los Angeles Chargers:
TE – Brock Bowers, Georgia State.Historically, the Chargers have drafted and developed some of the best tight ends of the last half century (Kellen Winslow is a HOF and Antonio Gates is the team’s all-time leading receiver). If Los Angeles were to pair him with franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, Bowers has better skill and determination than either of them.
6. New York Giants:
OT – Olu Fashanu, Penn StateFashanu’s athleticism and consistent ability in space beyond the line of scrimmage make him an intriguing prospect. The Giants have allowed 85 sacks this season, worst in the NFL and more than the next two teams (Commanders/Panthers) who have 20 more quarterback sacks.
7. Tennessee Titans:
CB – Kool-Aid McKinstry, AlabamaEven though the Titans recently hired former Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, the need to prioritize the defensive positions still resonates. Tennessee’s secondary struggled to make plays in 2023, ranking last in interceptions (6) and passes defended (55). McKinstry has excellent coverage and competes with the toughness required at the professional level.
8. Arizona Cardinals (via Atlanta): WR – Roman Odunse, Washington.In a possible reason decision, Arizona could be eager to receive Atlanta’s 74th pick (3rd) and Atlanta’s eighth overall pick, along with the 2025 second and third rounds .The Cardinals currently have 13 draft picks, so it could be a trade. The fourth overall pick offered by Atlanta in exchange could improve his draft and mobility. If the Bears negotiate to select Harrison ahead of the Cardinals, securing an extra pick and still drafting Odunze would be a lucrative move for a rebuilding team like Arizona.
9. New England Patriots (via Chicago): WR – Malik Nabers, LSUThe Patriots could trade the third pick for Chicago’s ninth overall pick, a 2025 sixth-round pick and quarterback Justin Fields to better match up with their division rivals. New England would immediately upgrade their quarterback and gain a dynamic player who can compete with other great play-callers in the Patriots division. In a potential trade with Chicago, New England could move up a few spots and select Nabers to bolster a moribund receiving corps.
10. New York Jets: OT – Joe Alt, Notre DameThe Jets’ offensive line has led to an uneven season.
