The 2024 NFL draft is set to be dominated by quarterbacks, but it won’t just be the rookies making headlines. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are both expected to be on the move, which could have a significant impact on the league’s Annual Selection Meeting.
In my three-round mock draft, I predict that the Chicago Bears will choose to move on from Fields and select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. Fields will then be sent to the New England Patriots, with the two teams swapping first-round picks and the Patriots giving up a 2024 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2025 pick, similar to the trade for Aaron Rodgers last year. I also predict that the Denver Broncos will part ways with Wilson, with the Atlanta Falcons signing him after his release. However, Wilson’s contract extension and no-trade clause could make a trade difficult.
In addition to these veteran moves, five rookie quarterbacks are projected to find new homes in the top 33 selections, creating a quarterback carousel that would draw crowds at Coney Island.
Finally, there are seven compensatory picks projected at the end of the third round, with the first four awarded to teams for losing 2023 free agents and the final three reflecting projected compensation for teams hiring minority candidates away from the Rams, 49ers, and Buccaneers for head coach/general manager openings.
