2024 NFL mock draft: J.J. McCarthy or Drake Maye for Patriots at No. 3?

If the drama surrounding the 2024 NFL draft seems tempered, know that the window remains open for a shake-up.

The pre-draft process has thus far been relatively muted, with the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans' swap of a first-round pick standing as one of the few moves that reshaped the outlook for the early portion of the order. This year hasn't featured the rampant uncertainty that was prevalent in 2023, when the mystery of the Texans' plans only grew heading into Day 1. Instead, consensus has largely prevailed; think of how long Joe Alt to the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Turner to the Atlanta Falcons have been fixtures of 2024 NFL mock drafts.

But a big move still might be looming. With demand for top-flight rookie quarterbacks again far outpacing supply, it's only natural to envision one team making a jump into the top five, thereby transforming the rest of the first round.

Being able to project another choice or possible trade here would have provided some entertainment at any point throughout mock draft season, but the short-lived and flimsy Justin Fields hypotheticals were the only obstacle in Williams' wire-to-wire run as the expected No. 1 pick. Draft day itself will serve as the long-awaited coronation, with Williams set to be on hand in Detroit. At least there's some mystery awaiting Chicago not too much later in the first round.