2024 NFL Draft: Blockbuster trade shakes up new ESPN mock draft

A new blockbuster trade shook up the latest ESPN Mock Draft, this time from former GM Mike Tannenbaum.

And yes, it involves some quarterbacks. That’s for sure. You want something that could change the course of a couple of franchises, well then you better look at what Tannenbaum predicted for April.

Let’s dive into Tannenbaum’s mock draft and break down his picks. There are plenty of fascinating ones.

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. Tannenbaum is on the train.

With this selection, gone is former first round pick Justin Fields, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and in comes Williams. It’s hard to envision a scenario where the Bears pick a different QB.

2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB – North Carolina

Maye is Tannenbaum’s QB2 in this draft. Now, Maye could very well be the second-best quarterback in this draft based on rankings.

He’ll opt for the prototypical size for Washington here. Maye has an absolute cannon for an arm and elite traits that could excel in the NFL.

3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB – LSU

Daniels goes here as the third quarterback in the first three picks. He won the Heisman Trophy and is an elite dual-threat talent.

Now, it’s up to Jarod Mayo and a brand new Patriots staff to unlock his pro potential. The former LSU star could certainly bring a lot of buzz to the Boston area.

4. Arizona Cardinals: JJ McCarthy, QB – Michigan

Four quarterbacks in a row and a stunner! McCarthy goes No. 4 overall with the Cardinals trading Kyler Murray (more on that later). 

Tannenbaum is a big fan of the Michigan quarterback, who lost just one game as a starter. He won a national title and has pro-style traits, but it looks like he’ll go right away if this is the scenario.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT – Notre Dame

Jim Harbaugh has to protect Justin Herbert and keep one of the better quarterbacks upright. Alt is a day-one starter in the NFL and arguably the best lineman in the draft.

Throw him in there and allow Herbert to thrive. Harbaugh loves building through the trenches, so this looks like a good pick.

6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR – LSU

Here’s a bit of a shocker. Nabers is the first wide receiver off the board instead of Marvin Harrison Jr. 

Nabers feels like a fit for the Giants as he’s been mocked to this location in many different analyses. While an excellent pass catcher, this is another surprise in Tannenbaum’s mock. 

7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT – Alabama

The Titans need a tackle and with no Alt available here, this is the next best option. Latham is one of the better overall prospects in the draft.

Protecting Jalen Milroe, Latham was nearly unbeatable throughout the course of the season. He should be able to slide in as a day-one starter for Tennessee.

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. Davis seems to think so as well. The Falcons could get an instant pass-rushing starter here. Turner’s been penciled into Atlanta all offseason. You might as well write it in pen.

9. Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Ohio State

Here’s where Harrison Jr. slides and this almost feels unfair. The Bears get Williams and Harrison Jr. in the first nine picks? That’s like winning the lottery.

Harrison Jr. is considered the best wide receiver in the draft. But for the sake of this mock, he slips to No. 9 and the Bears get a franchise combo.

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

Speaking of franchise combos, Fashanu can pair well with Aaron Rodgers. The veteran quarterback does need protection, desperately.

The Jets could slide the Penn State star to the starting offensive line immediately. Honestly, this is probably what the Jets need more rather than offensive weapons.

Rest of Tannenbaum’s Mock Draft

11. Arizona Cardinals: Quinyon Mitchell, CB – Toledo (trade with Vikings, acquire No. 11 pick for Kyler Murray to Minnesota Vikings)
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB – Oregon
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT – Oregon State
14. New Orleans Saints: Rome Odunze, WR – Washington
15. Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB – Alabama
16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, G – Washington
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR – LSU
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT – Georgia
19. Los Angeles Rams: Michael Penix Jr., QB – Washington
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: AD Mitchell, WR – Texas
21. Miami Dolphins: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C – Oregon
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Brock Bowers, TE – Georgia
23. Minnesota Vikings: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT – Illinois
24. Dallas Cowboys: Byron Murphy II, DT – Texas
25. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Guyton, OT – Oklahoma
26. Tampa Bay Bucs: Cooper DeJean, CB – Iowa
27. Arizona Cardinals: Ladd McConkey, WR – Georgia
28. Buffalo Bills: Xavier Worthy, WR – Texas
29. Detroit Lions: Laiatu Latu, EDGE – UCLA
30. Baltimore Ravens: Jared Verse, EDGE – Florida State
31. San Francisco 49ers: Braden Fiske, DT – Florida State
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordan Morgan, OT – Arizona

The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25th through 27th in Detroit. Get ready for chaos, especially if something like Tannenbaum’s predictions come true.