NFL team executives will have the opportunity to change the trajectory of franchises during the 2024 draft, for better or worse. While mock drafts focus on the best possible picks and scenarios, front offices must avoid pitfalls.

While some assume that teams with top-10 selections make easy decisions, those clubs also miss on blue-chip prospects.

We usually see that happen to teams that whiff on quarterbacks, though any club that squanders a top pick usually has to deal with the repercussions in the short term.

On the road to the 2024 draft, we have highlighted each of the top 10 teams in the selection order and the worst possible decision they could make with premium picks.

Since the Chicago Bears have two top-10 selections (Nos. 1 and 9), we'll start with the No. 2 pick and proceed in draft order.

Washington Commanders: Accepting Huge Trade Haul to Move Out of No. 2 Spot

As of now, all signs point to the Washington Commanders drafting a quarterback with the No. 2 pick.

The Commanders added several defensive players and three new offensive linemen early in free agency. They also signed Marcus Mariota and Jeff Driskel, two quarterbacks who have filled roster spots as backups in recent years.

Nonetheless, Commanders general manager Adam Peters said, "We're far from our answer" when Ben Standig of The Athletic asked on March 25 about the team's plan for the No. 2 pick.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, people who know Peters believe he "likes" quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Regardless of whether the Commanders GM truly likes McCarthy enough to take him with the No. 2 pick, Washington should take a signal-caller in that spot.

The Commanders will likely receive strong trade offers from QB-needy teams outside the top 10, such as the Minnesota Vikings (11th), Denver Broncos (12th) and Las Vegas Raiders (13th). They should reject those proposals.

While the Commanders may not be a quarterback away from Super Bowl contention, they can enter the playoff discussion with a productive rookie signal-caller. If you don't think so, just look at the Houston Texans' 2023 leap with C.J. Stroud, who went second in last year's draft.

Unless a team offers a starting quarterback in an attempt to move into the No. 2 spot, Washington should have its sights set on Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye or McCarthy.

New England Patriots: Drafting QB J.J. McCarthy

The New England Patriots can cause draft-day chaos if they trade down from the No. 3 pick, which wouldn't be a mistake.

In the event that the Washington Commanders take a signal-caller, the Patriots may not be intrigued by the third QB to come off the board. They may see more value in trading down to acquire more draft capital and selecting a quarterback later in the first round or on Day 2.

Nonetheless, New England should pass on J.J. McCarthy with the third pick.

The 21-year-old didn't have to carry the offense with Michigan, with the nation's stingiest scoring defense giving up just 10.4 points per game and a strong ground attack supporting him last year.

The Patriots' ranking in scoring defense has trended in the wrong direction over the previous three years. Now, with Jerod Mayo taking over for Bill Belichick, one has to wonder if the unit will further regress following turnover within the coaching ranks.

In 2023, New England finished with the 26th-ranked rushing offense and signed running back Antonio Gibson, who has seen a reduction in his role as a ball-carrier over the past few years.

If McCarthy goes to New England, he would likely have to take on a big responsibility for the team's offensive successes and failures, which is a major risk given his modest collegiate production relative to other top quarterback prospects.

Unlike the Washington Commanders who have Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin and 2022 first-rounder Jahan Dotson, the Patriots don't have an accomplished wideout or much upside in their pass-catching group.

McCarthy would be throwing to wide receivers K.J. Osborn, Kendrick Bourne and DeMario Douglas and tight end Hunter Henry.

With that supporting cast, the Patriots should target a quarterback prospect who's had to handle a heavier offensive load for his team.

Arizona Cardinals: Not Drafting a Top Wide Receiver

Whether the Arizona Cardinals select a wide receiver with the fourth pick or move down in the first round, they must draft one early on Day 1.

The Cardinals have let everyone know they're firmly behind Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback. While that message sounds clear, they need to follow up with appropriate action to support him.

They lost wideout Marquise Brown in free agency and traded slot receiver Rondale Moore to the Atlanta Falcons.

Entering the draft, second-year pro Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch lead the receiver depth chart, though third-year tight end Trey McBride is easily the team's best pass-catcher.

Murray is not too far removed from a torn ACL. To elevate Arizona's offense, he would have to do a lot with a bottom-tier pass-catching group, and that could lead to disaster.

If the Cardinals stay in the fourth spot, they should select Marvin Harrison Jr., the No. 1 prospect in Bleacher Report's latest big board rankings.

If Arizona trades down a few or more spots, Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze and Brian Thomas Jr. could be options. Any one of those receivers would be a significant upgrade for its aerial attack, and one of them should be on the team's roster by the end of the first round.

Los Angeles Chargers: Trading No. 5 Pick to Broncos or Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers are a wild-card team with a top-five pick. They have a first-time general manager, Joe Hortiz, and a new head coach, Jim Harbaugh, who is making his return to the NFL after nine years at Michigan.

In March, the Chargers released Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears, creating a clear need at wide receiver.

However, based on his recent comments to reporters, Harbaugh clearly values a quality offensive line and may push to reshape that unit to fit offensive coordinator Greg Roman's run-heavy play-calling tendencies.

Either way, Los Angeles seems likely to draft an offensive player to help quarterback Justin Herbert if the team stays in the No. 5 spot.

That being said, the Chargers' incoming regime may want to add draft capital for a roster transformation in the next two years. If so, quarterback-needy teams may have a chance to slide into the fifth slot.

Los Angeles should seriously consider trade offers from every team, bar the Denver Broncos (12th) and Las Vegas Raiders (13th).

In most cases, teams want the best offer, but if the Chargers strike a deal with the Broncos or Raiders, they would help their division rival acquire a potential franchise quarterback.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton told reporters that trading up in the draft is "realistic." According to The Athletic's Tashan Reed, the Raiders will "explore trading up in the first round."

The Chargers would be foolish to facilitate a deal that could help their AFC West rivals evolve into viable long-term contenders.

New York Giants: Drafting J.J. McCarthy Over Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers

A month ago, SNY's Connor Hughes linked the New York Giants to J.J. McCarthy.

"The main position to watch here is quarterback, specifically Michigan's J.J. McCarthy," he wrote. "The buzz is there that he's the player the Giants want."

While anyone can understand why New York may want to draft another quarterback after Daniel Jones' abysmal injury-riddled 2023 campaign, it would face the same problem as the New England Patriots with McCarthy.

Given McCarthy's average passing numbers as a starter at Michigan, the Giants should be hesitant to use a first-round pick on him without adding an offensive playmaker.

New York lost running back Saquon Barkley in free agency and replaced him with Devin Singletary, while tight end Darren Waller is contemplating retirement.

In 2023, Big Blue accumulated the second-fewest passing yards, and they didn't make any significant moves to improve their aerial attack, signing a couple of backup wideouts in Isaiah McKenzie and Miles Boykin.

Last season, Jones, Tommy DeVito and Tyrod Taylor struggled behind a shaky offensive line (that may feature multiple new starters in the upcoming campaign) with limited weapons around them. McCarthy probably wouldn't have much more success in his first year with this supporting cast.

The Giants desperately need offensive playmakers. If general manager Joe Schoen wants a quarterback who can uplift the franchise, he needs to hope Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye slips outside the top five.

Tennessee Titans: Passing on Offensive Tackles with No. 7 Pick

Based on the way that the Tennessee Titans approached free agency, they're all-in on a push for the playoffs with a new coaching staff despite coming off a 6-11 season.

They added four potential starters on the defensive side of the ball, signing defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, linebacker Kenneth Murray, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and acquiring cornerback L'Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tennessee also signed wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard and center Lloyd Cushenberry III to lucrative multiyear deals.

Quarterback Will Levis has impressed the Titans' new coaching staff, and he'll probably have an opportunity to prove himself as a full-time starter.

Tennessee has made attempts to bolster its defense and offensive skill positions, but it must do a little more to strengthen its offensive line.

The Titans released left tackle Andre Dillard, who allowed 12 sacks last season, per Pro Football Focus. The front office should be looking for an upgrade within a strong class of offensive tackles.

In the seventh slot, they are in a position to draft a top tackle who can protect and allow Levis more time in the pocket.

Atlanta Falcons: Not Drafting a Top Edge-Rusher

The Atlanta Falcons have transformed their passing attack with a few moves.

They signed four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins and added perimeter speed with the addition of wideouts Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore (via a trade with the Arizona Cardinals).

With those acquisitions, the Falcons will likely field a balanced offense with an improved aerial attack to complement their ground game, which finished ninth last season.

On the other side of the ball, Atlanta has work to do, specifically with its front seven.

As The Athletic's Josh Kendall noted, the Falcons have ranked last in pressure percentage over the last decade, and they haven't re-signed their 2023 sack leaders, Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree.

Atlanta doesn't need to complicate its choice with the No. 8 overall pick. Even if it trades down, it needs to take the best edge-rusher available.

Chicago Bears: Overdrafting a Defensive Tackle with No. 9 Pick

Caleb Williams seems like the presumptive No. 1 overall pick. Even if the Chicago Bears choose another top quarterback prospect with their first selection or in a trade-down scenario, at least they would have their ideal fit for Shane Waldron's offense.

Chicago could make a massive mistake with the No. 9 pick, though.

Assuming the Bears take a signal-caller with their first selection, they can address pressing needs along the defensive or offensive lines or draft a top wide receiver who would grow with their rookie QB.

However, general manager Ryan Poles cannot allow head coach Matt Eberflus to talk him into taking a defensive tackle with the ninth pick.

Eberflus will continue to call defensive plays in 2024, and he believes the 3-technique defensive tackle is "the engine" of his defense.

Remember, the Indianapolis Colts traded the No. 13 overall pick in the 2020 draft to the San Francisco 49ers for DeForest Buckner when Eberflus served as their defensive coordinator.

While Byron Murphy II and Jer'Zhan Newton would be ideal replacements for Justin Jones on the defensive line, Chicago may be able to select Jared Verse or Dallas Turner to bolster its pass rush on the edge.

If neither Verse nor Turner is available, the Bears should choose a top wide receiver with Keenan Allen set to be a free agent in 2025 or trade down and then take the best defensive tackle for Eberflus' scheme.

New York Jets: Drafting an Offensive Lineman over a Pass-Catcher at No. 10

The New York Jets must do whatever it takes to maximize Aaron Rodgers' time as the franchise player.

So, we can narrow their draft options down to offensive linemen and pass-catchers since they already have a stingy defense that ranked fourth or better in total yards in 2022 and 2023.

Though the defense fell from fourth to 12th in scoring in that same timeframe, thanks in part to an inept offense, the unit still finished seventh in red-zone scoring percentage and fourth in pressure rate for the 2023 term.

Gang Green should draft a pass-catcher over an offensive lineman with the No. 10 pick.

Yes, Tyron Smith hasn't played through a full season since 2015, but he's currently healthy and will likely start at left tackle. If he goes down with an injury, versatile offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker can fill his spot for a decent stretch.

The Jets need a top draft pick who's going to be on the field and can make an immediate impact as a potential starter or a high-rotation player. They wouldn't get the most out of their selection with a tackle who would be a fill-in for Smith.

Keep in mind that New York has potential starters at the other positions across its offensive line.

The Jets acquired starting right tackle Morgan Moses from the Baltimore Ravens and signed John Simpson to fill a void at guard. Vera-Tucker has mostly lined up at guard. Joe Tippmann will likely hold on to his starting job at center.

Even if they miss out on top wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze, Brock Bowers may be available for them.

Bowers comes out of Georgia as one of the most accomplished collegiate pass-catching tight ends with 175 catches for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns over the previous three years.

Gang Green can use the 21-year-old in two-tight end sets with Tyler Conklin or line him up as a wide receiver.

Following Allen Lazard's disappointing 2023 campaign and with Mike Williams recovering from a torn ACL, Bowers would likely see more time on the field than a tackle whose playing time could depend on Smith's availability.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.