2024 NFL Mock Draft
Pick 1 - Chicago Bears (via Carolina)
Caleb Williams QB USC
The certainty of Chicago retaining this pick on draft day remains in question. In Chicago, a considerable number still stand firmly behind Justin Fields as the Bears' future, while an opposing viewpoint favors trading the former first-round pick to usher in a new era for the team. Amidst the Commanders' recent hire of Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator, Caleb Williams' ties to the D.C. area, and conflicting reports coming from his camp, speculations about a potential trade between Chicago and Washington have risen, with most people certain Caleb is the desired target. Don’t get me wrong, Caleb as a prospect has issues with some of the same things that Fields has struggled with, such as a lack of playing on schedule which he will have to fix to succeed at the NFL level. With that being said, I believe that the Bears would be ignoramuses if they decide to trade the pick and stick with Fields. While I believe that Fields still can succeed in the NFL I do not think his future should be with Chicago. Given his lack of success and the financial commitment required, it seems wiser to part ways with him and draft the USC Quarterback in hopes that he is the guy to take you out of this misery. He has all the upside in the world and will obviously be on a rookie contract. Imagine pairing that with a team that is a few pieces away from truly competing. IT HAS TO BE THE PICK!!!!
Pick 2 - Washington Commanders
Drake Maye QB North Carolina
Maye is the prototypical QB prospect, he has great arm strength, good size, and is capable of having designed runs or scrambling for needed yards. The downside to his game is his youth, his inexperience can cloud his judgment at times and that will cause him issues at the next level, especially with the offensive unit he is walking into. However, that will ease with time, and he has all the tools to be something special in the NFL. It should be said that this may feel like a consolation prize for Washington, missing out on the hometown boy Caleb Williams, but Maye is anything but that and fans should be excited about their new guy.
Pick 3 - New England Patriots
Jayden Daniels QB LSU
Daniels flew up draft boards during his stellar 2023-24 season. The former ASU Quarterback transferred to LSU before the 2022-23 season and put up good numbers during his junior year throwing for 17 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Daniels stepped up his game and was otherworldly this past season putting up a whopping 40 touchdowns and only 4 picks on his way to winning the Heisman, the third in LSU history. The LSU Quarterback possesses all the attributes necessary to become a game-changer at the next level. He has demonstrated his game-breaking athleticism as well as continuously showcasing his evolving arm talent throughout this year.
Pick 4 - Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison WR Ohio State
Not much needs to be said as to why the Cardinals are going to pick Marvin Harrison Jr with this pick. If a receiver were built in a lab and trained at birth to be a receiver, it would be Marvin Harrison Jr.
Pick 5 - Los Angeles Chargers
Brock Bowers TE Georgia
Bowers has been a sensation since stepping onto the field at Sanford Stadium. The two time John Mackey award winner has everything you could ask for in a TE. Moreover, with the Chargers hire of Jim Harbaugh, Bowers would seamlessly fit into a coaching scheme that is known to heavily utilize the tight end position. While some believe the Chargers should go another route with this pick, such as selecting a receiver or bolstering the defensive side of the ball, you don’t get a chance to draft a threat at the TE position like Bowers often. The Chargers have to pounce on the opportunity.
Pick 6 - New York Giants
Rome Odunze WR Washington
We went back and forth between Odunze and Nabers in this selection. The Giants need a real weapon for whoever they throw out at quarterback next season. Both are great players but Odunze thrives in the medium game which suits the giants much more than the deep threat of Nabers.
Pick 7 - Tennessee Titans
Joe Alt OT Notre Dame
The Titans OL struggled in 2023 to say the least. Rookie Peter Skoronski showed flashes and seems like he will be their guard for the future, but they need a solution on the outside. This is where Joe Alt steps in. The 6 '8 former TE possesses the quickness and flexibility to excel at the next level. The star Notre Dame tackle should protect the Titans quarterback for years to come.
Pick 8 - Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Turner DE Alabama
While this spot might seem opportune for drafting a quarterback, like Bo Nix or JJ McCarthy, I don't think either of them showcased enough this year to justify the selection. Additionally, while Michael Penix had a strong showing this season, potential injury concerns may dampen his draft stock. Although the Falcons undoubtedly require a quarterback change, bolstering the defensive side of the ball is also needed. Dallas Turner presents an enticing option, as he possesses remarkable athleticism, size, and has steadily honed his pass-rushing techniques during his tenure with The Crimson Tide, making him capable of making an immediate impact.
Pick 9 - Chicago Bears
Malik Nabers WR LSU
With their second pick in the top ten of this draft the Bears select to double up the offensive side of the ball and select the standout LSU receiver Malik Nabers to provide their first overall draft pick Caleb Williams as many weapons as they can get. While putting up an astounding 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns this past year Nabers displayed that he is a big play threat every time he touches the ball. Pairing him up with DJ Moore should turn the Bears receiving cores into one of the best in the league.
Pick 10 - New York Jets
Olumuyiwa Fashanu OT Penn State
The offensive line has to be improved in 2024. Whether that is through free agency or the draft is yet to be known. But, in this mock the Jets land possibly the best tackle in the class in Olu Fashanu. Fashanu was good enough to be the first tackle taken in last year's draft and further solidified his status as a top pick this year. Fashanu has prototypical size as well as excellent mobility which helps him neutralize opposing pass rushers. Olu would step in and instantly contribute to the success of the Jets offensive line.
Pick 11 - Minnesota Vikings
Laiatu Latu DE UCLA
Latu is a good athlete with nice size on the edge. He uses his active hands very well to keep offensive linemen from being able to completely engage in a block with him. He seems to be able to create a massive amount of forward momentum in no time at all and use his speed to blitz past linemen. He has sometimes found himself lost within the offensive and defensive line, seemingly forgetting his assignment. Nonetheless he will provide a great help to a defensive line that is most likely losing Danielle Hunter, and although he won't fill that role immediately, expectations are high for the UCLA alumni.
Pick 12 - Denver Broncos
JJ McCarthy QB Michigan
The Russell Wilson era in Denver was short lived and the Broncos must address the quarterback position this offseason. Whether through free agency or the draft remains uncertain. In this hypothetical scenario, we have them selecting Michigan QB JJ McCarthy, aiming for him to become their franchise quarterback for the long term. While many may view this as a reach based on what we saw from McCarthy this year, if Denver doesn’t explore alternative routes their hand may be forced into drafting a quarterback. McCarthy, still a young prospect, showcased glimpses of talent this year that could land him in the first-round in this draft.
Pick 13 - Las Vegas Raiders
Bo Nix QB Oregon
Much like Denver, the Raiders seemingly do not have a plan in place for the quarterback position for next year. With four quarterbacks already off the board, the Raiders opt to join the fray by selecting Oregon QB Bo Nix with their initial pick in this year's draft. Nix has arm talent and scrambling ability that can be crafted into a starting caliber quarterback in the league.
Pick 14 - New Orleans Saints
Taliese Fuaga OT Oregon State
The Saints offensive line was not good this past year to say the least. Fuaga is a physical and dominant tackle that should step in and instantly contribute to the offensive line in New Orleans.
Pick 15 - Indianapolis Colts
Byron Murphy II DT Texas
DeForest Buckner's contract expires next year, and the Colts must bolster their unit with players who can contribute for years to come. I believe that Murphy has the potential to fill that role effectively.
Pick 16 - Seattle Seahawks
Troy Fautanu OT/OG Washington
Seattle aims to add a versatile guard who can seamlessly slot into the lineup and, if required, also adapt to playing on the outside.
Pick 17 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Terrion Arnold CB Alabama
This may seem low for Arnold given that he seems to be regarded as the top corner in the class, but team-specific needs lower him in this draft. Nevertheless, he remains a promising fit for Jacksonville, potentially forming an electrifying young corner tandem alongside Tyson Campbell.
Pick 18 - Cincinnati Bengals
JC Latham OT Alabama
The Bengals aim to fix the offensive line and take JC Latham. He can slide in and start at right tackle for Cincinnati in 2024.
Pick 19 - LA Rams
Quinyon Mitchell CB Toledo
Mitchell put on a show at the senior bowl. He is an athletic corner who has all the traits to become a starter in the league.
Pick 20 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Amarius Mims OT Georgia
The Steelers seem to have a thing for Georgia players, and that does not change in this draft. However, that is more due to the need to add to the offensive line in Pittsburg. Mims has the size and upside to be a top tackle in the league and should offer much needed support to the Steelers struggling offensive line.
Pick 21 - Miami Dolphins
Jaxon Powers-Johnson C Oregon
The Dolphins interior offensive line needs help, especially with the possibility of losing some players to free agency. JPJ is a great center prospect and should captain the offensive line in Miami for years to come.
Pick 22 - Philadelphia
Nate Wiggins CB Clemson
The Eagles defensive back room was a legitimate laughing stock to some of the teams they faced this past year. Wiggins is an exciting prospect that should step in across from Darius Slay and help correct the pass defense that we saw in 2023.
Pick 23 - Houston (via Cleveland)
Brian Thomas JR WR LSU
Thomas should add to one of the most exciting young receiving corps in the league in Houston.
Pick 24 - Dallas Cowboys
Troy Franklin WR Oregon
Ceedee is every bit of a number one receiver in this league, despite what some Stanford grads may say. But Brandin Cooks although a nice piece is not going to be the Cowboys receiver two for the long term. Franklin could fit that role nicely as a deep threat next to Ceedee.
Pick 25 - Green Bay Packers
Cooper Dejean CB Iowa
Would you look at that—a white corner? Who would've expected it? Indeed, Dejean possesses genuine first-round talent and showcased his versatility all over the field for Iowa this past season.
Pick 26 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kool-Aid McKinstry CB Alabama
The Buccaneers should consider bolstering their secondary in the upcoming draft. After struggling against the pass in 2023, adding Kool-Aid could provide a significant boost to their defensive unit. With his versatility, he's capable of playing both the cornerback and safety position.
Pick 27 - Arizona Cardinals (via Houston)
Jared Vearse DE Florida State
Vearse is a powerful edge rusher who can be an instant impact starter for the Cardinals.
Pick 28 - Buffalo Bills
Chop Robinson DE Penn State
Facing expiring contracts on key edge rushers, the Bills prioritize addressing the position in the first round of this mock draft. Robinson stands out with his coveted explosiveness and bend, desirable qualities in an edge prospect.
Pick 29 - Detroit Lions
Jer’Zhan Newton DT Illinois
Johnny Newton, while undersized, is a disruptive defensive tackle who can make plays in the backfield. While it is unknown if the Lions will retain key defensive lineman this offseason, they could look to fill that void by drafting a player such as Newton.
Pick 30 - Baltimore Ravens
Darius Robinson DL Missouri
Robinson has ideal size and athleticism for a prospect. Baltimore needs more depth along the defensive line and Robinson can help add to that unit.
Pick 31 - San Francisco 49ers
Tyler Guyton OT Oklahoma
The 49ers could use help everywhere along the offensive line besides left tackle, and Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger. Guyton could step in and start on the right side of the line in 2024 for San Francisco.
Pick 32 - Kansas City Chiefs
AD Mitchell WR Texas
AD Mitchell is a big body receiver who plays much smoother than his frame would suggest. He still needs work on his route running, but he has tremendous upside. Pairing him with Rashee Rice should turn the Chiefs receiving core around.