Early trades shake up this latest 2024 first round NFL mock draft
![Michigan's J.J. McCarthy stands with Notre Dame's Sam Hartman at the NFL Combine last month in Indianapolis. McCarthy is projected to go in the top four picks of the first round of April's NFL Draft. Michigan's J.J. McCarthy stands with Notre Dame's Sam Hartman at the NFL Combine last month in Indianapolis. McCarthy is projected to go in the top four picks of the first round of April's NFL Draft.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5611,h_3156,x_0,y_172/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/62/01hv0b06p29zfprbwa1r.jpg)
18. Cincinnati Bengals - J.C. Latham - OT, Alabama
This is a position of need for Cincinnati and they upgrade their offensive line with the big guy from Alabama. Alabama tackles don't have a rich history in the NFL, but Latham was coached well and faced top competition every week in the SEC. I like the pick of Latham here and he starts from day one and protects Joe Burrow's blind side.
19. Los Angeles Rams - Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
This is the first real surprise of the draft as the Rams look for their apparent to Matthew Stafford who is not getting any younger and is showing signs of fading into the abyss. Rattler will ride the pine and learn the first season but take over the Rams offense in year two.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Graham Barton, Guard, Duke
This pick has ramifications for the Steelers and the Dolphins, who pick next. The Steelers protect their quarterback by drafting the top interior offensive lineman on the board and taking him away from Miami, who was looking for their plug-and-play left guard. Barton will play next to Broderick Jones, last year's top pick and they will form a formidable duo for Najee Harris to run behind.