The first wave of free agency has come and gone, and it undoubtedly altered how the 2024 NFL draft will play out.
Many teams addressed their most pressing needs, which either more strongly entrenched them in their draft approach or resulted in them readjusting. The league-wide signings will certainly impact the top 10 and more specifically, the top three, where every team is now certain to take a quarterback.
With many old faces in new places, Giants Wire decided to run another mock draft. We once again used the Pro Football Network mock draft simulator and all settings were left on default. Trades were permitted.
We controlled only the New York Giants and did not attempt to influence the decisions of any other team. AI was permitted to make trades on its own — and it did.
Here are the results of our final Round 1 mock draft following the first week of free agency:
Unlike the last time we ran this simulation, the Chicago Bears hold steady and do what’s expected by drafting Caleb Williams first overall.
A new era begins in Washington as the Commanders hitch their wagon to Drake Maye as opposed to Jayden Daniels.
Jerod Mayo starts fresh with Jayden Daniels taking over for the now-departed Mac Jones.
Has a mock draft simulation been done that has the Arizona Cardinals going with anyone other than Marvin Harrison Jr.?
The Los Angeles Chargers beef up their offensive line with the best tackle available — Joe Alt.
At the current pace, it’s unlikely J.J. McCarthy is available here. Several teams are angling to move up ahead of the Giants but in this case, they land their QB of the future.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu gives the Tennessee Titans an anchor of the offensive line, which is desperately needed.
The Atlanta Falcons give Kirk Cousins a new and legitimate weapon with Malik Nabers.
Caleb Williams? Check. Stud wide receiver? Rome Odunze, check.
The New York Jets replace Bryce Huff with the young and talented Dallas Turner.
The Minnesota Vikings will be angling to move up for a quarterback but couldn’t get the job done in this simulation. They settle for Terrion Arnold, who will immediately improve their defense.
The Denver Broncos addressed a multitude of needs during the first week of free agency but still need some offensive line help. Taliese Fuaga to the rescue.
Antonio Pierce adds a legitimate offensive weapon to the roster with Brock Bowers, the best tight end in the draft.
The New Orleans Saints focused heavily on the offensive side of the ball in free agency. Quinyon Mitchell adds to their defense and gives them a brand new starter.
The Indianapolis Colts saw some shuffling along the edge early in free agency but still need some work there. Laiatu Latu immediately improves the unit.
The Seattle Seahawks brought back Leonard Williams to man the inside and add Jared Verse to dominate the outside in this simulation.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have done a good amount of work on their OL this offseason and that continues with Amarius Mims.
The Cincinnati Bengals gift quarterback Joe Burrow with an LSU wide receiver he’s likely crossed paths with before — Brian Thomas Jr.
The Los Angeles Rams upgrade their offensive line with JC Latham, an Alabama stud.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have met with Nate Wiggins several times and land him in this simulation.
Troy Fautanu is a versatile offensive lineman who would provide the Miami Dolphins with a few options.
The rich get richer as the Philadelphia Eagles land a new starting safety in Cooper DeJean.
The Vikings go defense twice in the first round, this time taking edge rusher Chop Robinson.
The Dallas Cowboys need to replenish their offensive line after several losses and Jackson Powers-Johnson is a start.
The Green Bay Packers strengthen their interior defense with Johnny Newton.
Kool-Aid McKinstry may be dealing with a foot injury but that doesn’t stop the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from selecting him — a mock that is becoming increasingly popular.
Some project Jordan Morgan to be a Day 1 starter and the Arizona Cardinals, at least in this simulation, buy into that notion.
Xavier Worthy has been a relatively consistent mock to the Buffalo Bills and that trend continues here.
The Detroit Lions want to dominate in the trenches and Graham Barton fits that bill.
The Houston Texans send two picks to the Baltimore Ravens in order to move up for wide receiver Keon Coleman here.
The San Francisco 49ers continue bulking up in from of Brock Purdy with offensive lineman Tyler Guyton.
The Kansas City Chiefs need to improve at wide receiver and Adonai Mitchell allows them to cut the dead weight known as Kadarius Toney.