Brinson’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Patriots trade up to No. 1 as Bears keep Justin Fields, plus more chaos

The Patriots are hell-bent on getting a franchise quarterback to help them forget Mac Jones … and Tom Brady.

Washington has talked about trading down, but it’s also talked about trading up. I think the Commanders ultimately stand pat and take Maye here.

The Bears could go with a quarterback here or they could kick the can down the road and grab a superstar wide receiver to see how things could work in 2024 with Justin Fields.

The Giants move up to grab a quarterback, a leader type who can step in and take over for Daniel Jones. This franchise needs a reboot at QB, and McCarthy can handle the pressure that comes with being the quarterback in New York.

Rashawn Slater is still slotted in at left tackle, but Jim Harbaugh loves to draft in the trenches, and he’ll want to get his franchise quarterback help early.

The Cardinals have gone over the top in professing their love for Kyler Murray, so now’s the time to show it by drafting him a weapon. Nabers has enormous upside.

The Titans have to improve the offensive line, and Brian Callahan should be interested in building out protection before trying to find a quarterback.

The Falcons are THRILLED to find Daniels sitting here, even though he doesn’t necessarily fit the coaching staff’s description. Plus, I think they’ll sign a veteran quarterback in free agency, giving Daniels a year plus to sit and learn Zac Robinson’s system.

First you get the wide receiver, then you get the offensive lineman, then you get the khakis. The Bears come away with two GREAT players and an insane number of draft picks for the future.

The Jets stop a surprising fall — they really want to go OL to help Aaron Rodgers, but Odunze plus Garrett Wilson is absolutely LETHAL.

The Vikings could go in any direction here, and a lot may depend on whether or not they bring back Kirk Cousins. I’ll give them some defensive help with free agency still pending.

The Broncos are a team in flux with Russell Wilson gone, so QB could be an option here. However, I don’t see Sean Payton reaching. He might prefer getting Jarrett Stidham some weapons.

The Raiders are at a point where they can just take the best player available, and while pairing an edge rusher with Maxx Crosby could work, they’re shoring up the back end of the defense here with a player who fits well with Antonio Pierce.

Cameron Jordan ain’t getting any younger! He’s aging marvelously, but adding more pass-rush help wouldn’t be a bad thing for the Saints.

Lean into a strength and keep loading up on that defensive line. Pairing Murphy with DeForest Buckner would be a problem for interior pass blockers.

The Seahawks snap up a premium pass-rusher who fell further than expected.

The Jags are likely franchise tagging Josh Allen, but he’s not under contract, so they could use additional pass rush help.

Tee Higgins got the franchise tag, but it’s entirely possible the Bengals end up letting him walk in free agency after this season. They’ll need help if so.

I have no clue what the Rams will do in the first round… Sean McVay might spontaneously combust when he finds himself on the clock in the first round for the first time ever.

The Steelers are being coy about their plans at quarterback, so for now we’ll give them additional help on the defensive side of the ball.

Losing Christian Wilkins means the Dolphins need to restock on the defensive line.

Mock drafting for the Eagles is easy. Just find the highest-rated Alabama or Georgia guy remaining and add water. You got a stew going baby.

The Texans defense was great last year, but it was largely the result of smart, cheap free agent signings. A lot of them may be hitting the market again.

Tyron Smith is moving on after a decade plus in Dallas, so the Cowboys will need to keep restocking the offensive line.

If the Packers move on from David Bakhtiari, they’ll need to restock the offensive line.

Another blazing Texas WR, the Bucs can add more WR talent even with Mike Evans back in the fold.

Arizona should/will be in the business of adding more defensive players after grabbing an offensive star early in the draft.

The Bills need some speed and help at wide receiver with Gabe Davis possibly moving on. McConkey would step in and fit perfectly with Josh Allen from jump street.

Brad Holmes is a big fan of defensive back play, and the Lions are in need of a cornerback.

Freak athlete, and defensive line is a position of need for the Ravens with their impending free agents.

I would never put it past Kyle Shanahan to try and grab some offensive line help given the importance of his system working in sync.

The Chiefs might address wide receiver in free agency, but they certainly need to consider doing it in the draft as well.