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AP mock NFL draft 3.0: 8 trades, including 2 in the top 5 highlight AP's final mock draft

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AP mock NFL draft 3.0: 8 trades, including 2 in the top 5 highlight AP's final mock draft
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AP mock NFL draft 3.0: 8 trades, including 2 in the top 5 highlight AP's final mock draft

2024-04-17 07:16 Last Updated At:07:21

The NFL draft madness begins early in the final edition of the AP’s 2024 mock draft.

Eight trades in the first round. Two swaps in the top five. One team moves down and back up. Another makes three trades, going down twice before a move up to snatch a quarterback. A division champion trades out of the first round.

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FILE - Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)

The NFL draft madness begins early in the final edition of the AP’s 2024 mock draft.

FILE - Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, left, runs a drill against offensive tackle Blake Fisher, right, during NFL pro day football workouts in South Bend, Ind., Thursday, March 21, 2024. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)

FILE - Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, left, runs a drill against offensive tackle Blake Fisher, right, during NFL pro day football workouts in South Bend, Ind., Thursday, March 21, 2024. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)

FILE - Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt looks on before an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

FILE - Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt looks on before an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze reacts to breaking up a pass in the end zone against Arizona State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 15-7. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze reacts to breaking up a pass in the end zone against Arizona State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 15-7. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) makes a catch for a touchdown against Utah cornerback JaTravis Broughton (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 35-28. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) makes a catch for a touchdown against Utah cornerback JaTravis Broughton (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 35-28. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze talks while standing on the field during Washington's NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Seattle. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/John Froschauer, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze talks while standing on the field during Washington's NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Seattle. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/John Froschauer, File)

FILE - LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers jogs off the field after his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Nabers is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)

FILE - LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers jogs off the field after his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Nabers is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)

FILE - Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison, left, catches a touchdown pass over Michigan State defensive back Chance Rucker during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. Harrison Jr. is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)

FILE - Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison, left, catches a touchdown pass over Michigan State defensive back Chance Rucker during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. Harrison Jr. is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)

FILE - Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) looks on during warm ups before an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Piscataway, N.J. Harrison Jr. is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray, File)

FILE - Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) looks on during warm ups before an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Piscataway, N.J. Harrison Jr. is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray, File)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) flips the ball into the air after scoring a rushing touchdown as teammate wide receiver Gavin Blackwell (2) look on during the second overtime of an NCAA college football game against Appalachian State, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay, File)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) flips the ball into the air after scoring a rushing touchdown as teammate wide receiver Gavin Blackwell (2) look on during the second overtime of an NCAA college football game against Appalachian State, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay, File)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Maye is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Maye is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye poses for a portrait at the NFL football combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Indianapolis. Maye is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(Doug Benc/AP Images for the NFL)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye poses for a portrait at the NFL football combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Indianapolis. Maye is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(Doug Benc/AP Images for the NFL)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with his parents on senior day, for his final home game, before an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with his parents on senior day, for his final home game, before an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs for a touchdown against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Derick Hingle, File)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs for a touchdown against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Derick Hingle, File)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels smiles after winning the Heisman Trophy in New York, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels smiles after winning the Heisman Trophy in New York, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2024. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2024. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

It’s no secret the Chicago Bears are taking Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner at USC has been ticketed for the top selection for months.

The Washington Commanders are expected to choose between LSU’s Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman winner, and North Carolina’s Drake Maye at No. 2.

Then, the New England Patriots are expected to take the remaining quarterback.

Or, will they?

Here’s the AP’s mock draft 3.0:

1. Chicago Bears: CALEB WILLIAMS, QUARTERBACK, USC

Williams is the consensus No. 1 pick. The Bears already traded away Justin Fields, their 2021 first-round pick, and now finally may have a long-term answer at the most important position.

2. Washington Commanders: JAYDEN DANIELS, QUARTERBACK, LSU

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner is an ideal fit for new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who had some success with dual-threat QB Kyler Murray in Arizona.

3. Minnesota Vikings (mock trade with New England): DRAKE MAYE, QUARTERBACK, NORTH CAROLINA

Despite signing Sam Darnold to a $10 million, one-year deal after losing Kirk Cousins to Atlanta, the Vikings are looking for a franchise QB. They send picks Nos. 11 and 23 plus a 2025 first-rounder to New England for No. 3 and 2025 third and sixth-rounders.

Maye won’t have to start right away but could replace Darnold after a handful of games.

4. Buffalo Bills (mock trade with Arizona): MARVIN HARRISON JR., WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATE

Harrison, the son of Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison, was the best WR on the field last season. His stock has slipped some because he skipped offseason workouts but his tape is enough. The Bills are under pressure to win a Super Bowl and need a No. 1 wideout after trading Stefon Diggs. This blockbuster deal sends pick No. 28, a second-rounder (60), a fourth (128), a fifth (160) and a 2025 first and second to Arizona for No. 4 and a 2025 fourth.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: MALIK NABERS, WIDE RECEIVER, LSU

New Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh loves offensive linemen but Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are gone. Justin Herbert needs playmakers. Nabers gives them a physical receiver with elite ball skills and explosive route-running ability. He caught 89 balls for 1,569 yards and 14 TDs last season.

6. New York Giants: ROME ODUNZE, WIDE RECEIVER, WASHINGTON

Odunze has size, speed and skills to be elite. He had 92 catches for 1,640 yards, 13 TDs in 2023. The Giants haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2018.

7. Tennessee Titans: JOE ALT, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, NOTRE DAME

The 6-9, 321-pound Alt is an athletic, versatile player widely considered the best blocker in a strong draft class. His father, John Alt, was a two-time Pro Bowl left tackle in Kansas City. The Titans need to protect Will Levis after allowing an AFC-high 64 sacks last season.

8. New England Patriots (mock trade with Atlanta): J.J. MCCARTHY, QUARTERBACK, MICHIGAN

After trading down from No. 3, the Patriots move up to add the Michigan quarterback, hoping McCarthy can have just a fraction of the success former Wolverines QB Tom Brady had in New England.

Despite playing in a run-heavy offense, McCarthy’s stock has been on the rise after leading Michigan to a national championship. He’s a winner who brings plenty of intangibles along with a strong arm. With veteran Jacoby Brissett back in New England, McCarthy won’t have to start immediately.

To get No. 8, the Patriots send No. 11 and a second-rounder (34) to Atlanta and get back a third (74) and fifth (143).

9. Chicago Bears: DALLAS TURNER, EDGE, ALABAMA

The Bears turn to defense after taking Williams first and get the best pass rusher in the draft. Turner is an athletic edge rusher with size, speed and burst to get after playmaking QBs.

10. New York Jets: BROCK BOWERS, TIGHT END, GEORGIA

After addressing the offensive line in free agency, the Jets give Aaron Rodgers another playmaker by selecting the best tight end in the draft. Bowers has the versatility to line up anywhere and he’s a reliable blocker.

11. Atlanta Falcons (mock trade with New England via Minnesota): QUINYON MITCHELL, CORNERBACK, TOLEDO

Mitchell ran a 4.33 second 40-yard dash at the combine and gives Atlanta a potential shutdown cornerback after the Falcons bolstered the offense in free agency, adding Cousins and WR Darnell Mooney.

12. Philadelphia Eagles (mock trade with Denver): J.C. LATHAM, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ALABAMA

Latham is an athletic, powerful right tackle who can play the left side. He can slide into the right guard spot and eventually replace Lane Johnson at right tackle. The Eagles value offensive line strength and general manager Howie Roseman is known for being aggressive. They send No. 22, a second-rounder (50) and a sixth (210) for this pick and a fifth (136).

13. Las Vegas Raiders: TERRION ARNOLD, CORNERBACK, ALABAMA

Arnold is an exceptional cover guy tough enough to be an asset against the run and has excellent ball skills. The Raiders already made a splash on defense in free agency, signing DT Christian Wilkins.

14. New Orleans Saints: OLUMUYIWA FASHANU, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, PENN STATE

The 6-6, 321-pound Fashanu is already an elite pass blocker on the right side. He didn’t allow a sack in college.

15. Indianapolis Colts: NATE WIGGINS, CORNERBACK, CLEMSON

Wiggins has elite speed, he’s versatile and is a playmaker. He bolsters a pass defense that finished middle of the pack.

16. Seattle Seahawks: LAIATU LATU, EDGE, UCLA

Latu was the best defensive end in college last season, earning both the Lombardi and Ted Hendricks awards. He’ll give the Seahawks a pass rusher with game-changing skills.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: JARED VERSE, EDGE, FLORIDA STATE

Verse has the skills to be an elite pass rusher for a team that finished 25th in the league in sacks.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: BYRON MURPHY, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, TEXAS

The Bengals bolster the interior of their defensive line by putting the powerful Murphy in the middle.

19. Los Angeles Rams: JER’ZHAN NEWTON, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, ILLINOIS

Newton is a disruptive interior defender who brings a physical presence in the middle of the line along with outstanding ability to get to the quarterback. He’d help replace future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, who retired.

20. Dallas Cowboys (mock trade with Pittsburgh): TALIESE FUAGA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, OREGON STATE

The massive Fuaga, 6-6, 324, excels in pass protection and is a people-mover as a run blocker. He can play either tackle spot and the Cowboys lost two starting offensive linemen in free agency. Dallas sends No. 24, a third (87) and sixth (216) for this pick, a sixth (178) and 2025 fourth.

21. Miami Dolphins: CHOP ROBINSON, EDGE, PENN STATE

Robinson is a freakish athlete and three-down player who upgrades a defense that lost top edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips to serious injuries last season.

22. Kansas City Chiefs (mock trade with Denver via Philadelphia: BRIAN THOMAS JR., WIDE RECEIVER, LSU

Thomas had 1,177 yards receiving on 68 catches and ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the combine. The Chiefs added Marquis “Hollywood” Brown in free agency and have won two Super Bowls since trading Tyreek Hill but can’t pass up a potential superstar.

They send No. 32, a third-rounder (95) and a 2025 third to the Broncos, who move down again.

23. New England Patriots (mock trade with Minnesota): ADONAI MITCHELL, WIDE RECEIVER, TEXAS

The 6-3 burner ran a 4.34-second 40 at the combine and gives the Patriots a true No. 1.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (mock trade with Dallas): TROY FAUTANU, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, WASHINGTON

A versatile linemen who can play tackle or fill a need at guard.

25. Green Bay Packers: GRAHAM BARTON, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, DUKE

Barton is a versatile pass protector who can play tackle or guard.

26. Carolina Panthers (mock trade with Tampa Bay): JACKSON POWERS-JOHNSON, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, OREGON

Powers-Johnson is the consensus No. 1 center/interior offensive lineman in the draft. The Panthers send the first pick in the second round (33), a fourth (96) and fifth (141) to slide up seven spots.

27. Arizona Cardinals: TROY FRANKLIN, WIDE RECEIVER, OREGON

Franklin has elite speed and gives the Cardinals a playmaker to stretch the field.

28. Arizona Cardinals (mock trade with Buffalo): AMARIUS MIMS, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIA

The Cardinals get a combine superstar in Mims, who has outstanding speed for a giant (6-7, 340) of a man and slots in immediately at right tackle.

29. Detroit Lions: KOOL-AID MCKINSTRY, CORNERBACK, ALABAMA

He’s a tough, physical cornerback with speed and quickness to bolster the secondary.

30. Denver Broncos (mock trade with Baltimore): MICHAEL PENIX JR., QUARTERBACK, WASHINGTON

After trading down twice to add draft capital, the Broncos move up and snag their quarterback. Penix said the Broncos were hard on him in their combine meeting, highlighting his bad plays. Playing for Sean Payton won’t get any easier for the talented southpaw QB. Denver sends No. 32, a fifth-rounder (136) and 2025 sixth to move up two spots.

31. San Francisco 49ers: TYLER GUYTON, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, OKLAHOMA

Guyton is a mammoth (6-8, 322) tackle versatile enough to play either side. Can start on the right side and eventually move over to replace Trent Williams.

32. Baltimore Ravens (mock trade with Denver): JORDAN MORGAN, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ARIZONA

Morgan is a versatile lineman who played tackle but can move to guard.

This story has been corrected to show that the Titans had an AFC-high, not NFL-high, 64 sacks last season.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

FILE - Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)

FILE - Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)

FILE - Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, left, runs a drill against offensive tackle Blake Fisher, right, during NFL pro day football workouts in South Bend, Ind., Thursday, March 21, 2024. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)

FILE - Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, left, runs a drill against offensive tackle Blake Fisher, right, during NFL pro day football workouts in South Bend, Ind., Thursday, March 21, 2024. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)

FILE - Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt looks on before an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

FILE - Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt looks on before an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Alt is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze reacts to breaking up a pass in the end zone against Arizona State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 15-7. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze reacts to breaking up a pass in the end zone against Arizona State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 15-7. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) makes a catch for a touchdown against Utah cornerback JaTravis Broughton (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 35-28. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) makes a catch for a touchdown against Utah cornerback JaTravis Broughton (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 35-28. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze talks while standing on the field during Washington's NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Seattle. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/John Froschauer, File)

FILE - Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze talks while standing on the field during Washington's NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Seattle. Odunze is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/John Froschauer, File)

FILE - LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers jogs off the field after his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Nabers is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)

FILE - LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers jogs off the field after his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Nabers is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)

FILE - Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison, left, catches a touchdown pass over Michigan State defensive back Chance Rucker during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. Harrison Jr. is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)

FILE - Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison, left, catches a touchdown pass over Michigan State defensive back Chance Rucker during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. Harrison Jr. is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)

FILE - Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) looks on during warm ups before an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Piscataway, N.J. Harrison Jr. is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray, File)

FILE - Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) looks on during warm ups before an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Piscataway, N.J. Harrison Jr. is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray, File)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) flips the ball into the air after scoring a rushing touchdown as teammate wide receiver Gavin Blackwell (2) look on during the second overtime of an NCAA college football game against Appalachian State, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay, File)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) flips the ball into the air after scoring a rushing touchdown as teammate wide receiver Gavin Blackwell (2) look on during the second overtime of an NCAA college football game against Appalachian State, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay, File)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Maye is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Maye is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye poses for a portrait at the NFL football combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Indianapolis. Maye is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(Doug Benc/AP Images for the NFL)

FILE - North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye poses for a portrait at the NFL football combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Indianapolis. Maye is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(Doug Benc/AP Images for the NFL)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with his parents on senior day, for his final home game, before an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with his parents on senior day, for his final home game, before an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs for a touchdown against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Derick Hingle, File)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs for a touchdown against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Derick Hingle, File)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels smiles after winning the Heisman Trophy in New York, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels smiles after winning the Heisman Trophy in New York, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2024. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2024. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO countries haven’t delivered what they promised to Ukraine in time, the alliance’s chief said Monday, allowing Russia to press its advantage while Kyiv’s depleted forces wait for military supplies to arrive from the U.S. and Europe.

"Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Outgunned, Ukraine’s troops have struggled to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield. They were recently compelled to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the east, where the Kremlin's forces have been making incremental gains, Ukraine's army chief said Sunday. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Monday its forces had also taken the village of Semenivka.

“The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the front line. Lack of air defense has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces,” Stoltenberg said.

Kyiv’s Western partners have repeatedly vowed to stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” But vital U.S. military help was held up for six months by political differences in Washington, and Europe’s military hardware production has not kept up with demand. Ukraine’s own manufacturing of heavy weapons is only now starting to gain traction.

Now, Ukraine and its Western partners are racing to deploy critical new military aid that can help check the slow and costly but steady Russian advance across eastern areas, as well as thwart drone and missile attacks.

Zelenskyy said new Western supplies have started arriving, but slowly. "This process must be speeded up,” he said at the news conference with Stoltenberg.

Though the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line has shifted little since early in the war, the Kremlin’s forces in recent weeks have edged forward, especially in the Donetsk region, with sheer numbers and massive firepower used to bludgeon defensive positions.

Russia also continues to launch missiles, drones and bombs at cities across Ukraine. At least four people were killed and 27 injured in a Russian missile strike on residential buildings and “civil infrastructure” in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Monday, regional governor Oleh Kiper said on the Telegram messaging site.

A turreted Gothic-style building known locally as the “Harry Potter Castle,” was seen in flames after the strike.

Russia is a far bigger country than Ukraine, with greater resources. It has also received weapons support from Iran and North Korea, the U.S. government says.

Drawn-out Ukrainian efforts to mobilize more troops, and the belated building of battlefield fortifications, are other factors undermining Ukraine’s war effort, military analysts say.

Nick Reynolds, a research fellow for land warfare at the London-based Royal United Services Institute, said the war “is still largely an artillery duel.”

He said he did not expect to see major movement of the front lines in the near term, but that “the conditions are being set for which side has military advantage at the front line. The Russian military is in a better position at the moment.

“When we see one side or the other being in a position to move the front line, at some stage, maneuver will be restored to the battlefield. Not in the next few weeks, maybe not even in the next few months. But it will happen,” he told The Associated Press.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh, at a briefing with reporters Monday, also acknowledged Russia’s recent battlefield gains, noting that a delay in congressional approval for additional spending “set the Ukrainians back.”

NATO chief Stoltenberg, however, said more weapons and ammunition for Ukraine are on the way, including Patriot missile systems to defend against heavy Russian barrages that smash into the power grid and urban areas.

Ukrainian officials say Russia is assembling forces for a major summer offensive, even if its troops are making only incremental gains at the moment.

“Russian forces remain unlikely to achieve a deeper operationally significant penetration in the area in the near term,” the Institute for the Study of War said in an assessment Sunday.

Even so, the Kremlin’s forces are closing in on the strategically important hilltop town of Chasiv Yar, whose capture would be an important step forward into the Donetsk region.

Donetsk and Luhansk form much of the industrial Donbas region, which has been gripped by separatist fighting since 2014, and which Putin has set as a primary objective of the Russian invasion. Russia illegally annexed areas of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions in September 2022.

In other developments, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh made an unannounced visit to Ukraine – the first British royal to travel to the country since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Buckingham Palace said Monday that Sophie, wife of Prince Edward, met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska in Kyiv and delivered a message on behalf of King Charles III. It did not disclose the timing or details of the visit.

The palace said Sophie, 59, made the trip “to demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and in a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.”

Associated Press writer Tara Copp in Washington contributed reporting.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits a photo exhibition dedicated to the sacrifices of the Russian occupation of the town in Saint Andrew's Church in Bucha, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits a photo exhibition dedicated to the sacrifices of the Russian occupation of the town in Saint Andrew's Church in Bucha, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits the Romanivska Bridge in the town of Irpin, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits the Romanivska Bridge in the town of Irpin, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits the Family center of the NGO "Save Ukraine" in the town of Irpin, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits the Family center of the NGO "Save Ukraine" in the town of Irpin, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits Saint Andrew's Church in the town of Bucha, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits Saint Andrew's Church in the town of Bucha, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, meets with children as she visits the Family center of the NGO "Save Ukraine" in the town of Irpin, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, meets with children as she visits the Family center of the NGO "Save Ukraine" in the town of Irpin, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, meets with children as she visits the Family center of the NGO "Save Ukraine" in the town of Irpin, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, meets with children as she visits the Family center of the NGO "Save Ukraine" in the town of Irpin, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Martin Harris, right, visit the memorial to the victims of the Russian occupation in the town of Bucha, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Martin Harris, right, visit the memorial to the victims of the Russian occupation in the town of Bucha, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits the memorial to the victims of the Russian occupation in the town of Bucha, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits the memorial to the victims of the Russian occupation in the town of Bucha, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

In this photo provided by the Odesa Regional Administration, city officials examine a fragment of a missile after the Russian missile attack that killed several people, and wounded multiple others in Odessa, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Odesa Regional Administration via AP)

In this photo provided by the Odesa Regional Administration, city officials examine a fragment of a missile after the Russian missile attack that killed several people, and wounded multiple others in Odessa, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Odesa Regional Administration via AP)

A building of the Odessa Law Academy is on fire after a Russian missile attack in Odessa, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Victor Sajenko)

A building of the Odessa Law Academy is on fire after a Russian missile attack in Odessa, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Victor Sajenko)

Britain's Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie, right, with the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Monday April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie, right, with the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Monday April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie, center, visits the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Monday April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie, center, visits the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Monday April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie, second right, the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, right, and Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine, Martin Harris visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Monday April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie, second right, the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, right, and Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine, Martin Harris visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Monday April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, second right, and Martin Harris, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine, right, visit the UNFPA office in Kyiv to meet with war victims, Monday April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, second right, and Martin Harris, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine, right, visit the UNFPA office in Kyiv to meet with war victims, Monday April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie, left, with the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Monday April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Britain's Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie, left, with the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Monday April 29, 2024. (Anatolii Stepanov/Pool via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center right, talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, centre left, during their meeting in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center right, talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, centre left, during their meeting in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Two women walk along a street in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Two women walk along a street in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

A woman sells toys in front of a building with windows protected by sandbags in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

A woman sells toys in front of a building with windows protected by sandbags in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talks during his joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talks during his joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talks during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talks during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg walk before their press conference in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg walk before their press conference in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

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