2024 NFL Mock Draft
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Caleb Williams enters the NFL Draft as the most hyped prospect since Andrew Luck in 2011. He has showcased every trait a modern NFL quarterback needs to succeed. If he brings it all to the table in Chicago, he could be the savior the Bears have been yearning for for decades.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Commanders have to be 99% set on picking a quarterback--whether it is Daniels, Maye, or someone else. Our pick is Daniels, the Heisman winner who flew up draft boards during his senior season at LSU. Daniels would have been considered a mid-to-late round pick entering the season, but his jaw-dropping athleticism skyrocketed his draft stock. He's got Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson abilities.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
This is where the draft really gets started. New England is probably thinking QB, but the roster is so depleted they may be better served to trade back and add assets. Maye is a boom or bust to us. On the plus side, he could be the next Josh Allen; he's huge, athletic, and can launch the ball. On the negative side, there are a lot of ugly throws on his tape and some misguided attempts to go for the home run when a single will do. If Maye smooths out the rough edges, he can bring those annual postseason games back to Foxboro.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR, Ohio State
Widely considered the best overall prospect in the class, the second-generation receiver would be a gift for the Cardinals. He would immediately slide in to give Kyler Murray the best weapon he's had since DeAndre Hopkins' early games in Arizona. Harrison can do everything and fast join the ranks of Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, and Garrett Wilson atop the wide receiver hierarchy.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Jim Harbaugh stripped down and rebuilt the Chargers offense in a matter of weeks. He's looking to make a splash in year one, and if he wants to contend with the Chiefs in the AFC West, he needs firepower. Weapons don't come more ballistic than Brock Bowers, the All-World tight end from Georgia. He can be as good as Travis Kelce or George Kittle.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Explosiveness is the word most commonly associated with Nabers. He's a bit on the smaller side, but he has big-play potential. He would instantly become the top receiving threat for New York. This is the make-or-break season for quarterback Daniel Jones and head coach Brian Daboll. The team needs to do everything it can to maximize Jones' abilities, and Nabers would be a huge piece to that puzzle.
7. Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Every NFL draft has a consumate offensive tackle, the guy who has every tool to become a superstar from day one. This year, that guy is Joe Alt. He's the prototypical tackle and would immediately start at tackle for the rebuilding Titans--a huge perk for the young and developing Will Levis. Alt has Tristan Wirfs-esque potential.
8. Falcons: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
Most pundits agree the Falcons are looking defense, because the Falcons are always looking defense. They loaded up the offense in free agency, and now with Kirk Cousins, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, it's time to bolster the defense. Dallas Turner is the trendy pick, but we bucked the trend to go with the bigger, more powerful Laiatu Latu. Yes, he has some injury history, but he produced in college and has the technique to match his size.
9. Bears: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
With Caleb Williams on board, the Bears need to do everything they can to maximize his potential. This pick is basically Fashanu vs. Rome Odunze, and given the Bears already have some receiver depth, protecting Williams is the higher priority. Fashanu is a nimble beast with ideal size for a star offensive tackle.
10. Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Fuaga is one of the trendiest players on the board. He exploded onto the scene in 2023, excelling during Oregon State's return to glory season. Fuaga is as mammoth as you'd expect with the power to clear defenders out of the way. The Jets signed some veterans to fix their gaping offensive line needs, but they still need more youth in that group. New York needs to maximize what's left of Aaron Rodgers' career, and Fuaga is just the man for the job.
11. Vikings: Michael Penix, Jr., QB, Washington
Perhaps our first shocking pick, the Vikings go a bit down the board to grab the biggest star of the 2023 college football season. Penix is divisive. He has extensive injury history, isn't the biggest guy, and isn't a Jayden Daniels-level athlete. However, his arm talent is unreal. The ball never looks prettier than it does when Penix throws it. He has adept accuracy, arm strength, and can throw on the run. His speed is underrated, and his intangibles are off the charts. With Kevin O'Connell calling the shots, and Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to throw to, Penix, Jr. would be primed for success from the jump.
12. Broncos: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The hype around J.J McCarthy feels a lot more like a smokescreen than genuine belief in him being a top-five selection. He is a proven winner with enough athleticism to keep plays alive. His arm isn't as huge as Penix or Maye, but he makes tight throws. He's more game manager than game breaker, but he'll be playing for a coach, Sean Payton, who knows how to maximize quarterbacks. This entire offense is under construction, and Payton will need to find weapons to put around McCarthy.
13. Raiders: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Odunze is our favorite player in this class. He's a five-tool player at wide receiver. Size? Check. Speed? Check. Yards after catch? Check. Physicality? Check. Hands? Check. He can run every route and get open anywhere on the field. He even has Deebo Samuel-style versatility, and NFL teams can incorporate him into the run game. He instantly changes the complexion of an offense. Odunze and Davante Adams would quickly become among the league's best receiving tandems and make life much easier for whomever is playing QB for the Raiders.
14. Saints: Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama
Speed kills, and if its speed you want off the edge, Dallas Turner is your guy. He's smaller than some elite ends, but he flies off the edge and reaches the backfield in no time. The Saints have invested a fair amount of draft capital in recent years to the defensive line, but they're still searching for an heir to Cam Jordan. Pairing Turner with Bryan Bresee and the recently signed Chase Young would make for a vaunted defensive front.
15. Colts: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Fautanu might be the most diversely talented offensive lineman prospect in the class. Some see him as a tackle, others as a guard. Fautanu is so good he could probably excel at both. The Colts need help all over the offensive line, so a versatile plug-and-play standout like Fautanu is the perfect fit.
16. Seahawks: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The closer the draft gets, the higher Graham Barton seems to be rising. He is likely more of an interior offensive lineman than a tackle, but that is one of the few areas Seattle needs help. Some scouts have called him the most technically sound prospect, with elite footwork and hand placement. He's versatile and smart, having played all over the line during his time at Duke. He would compete for the starting job at center or right guard in week one.
17. Jaguars: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
Jared Verse might have the best rags-to-riches story of any player in the class. He had no major offers after high school, went to Albany as a tight end, switched to defensive end, got huge during the pandemic, and then transferred to Florida State. He was a sack machine in 2022 and burst onto the national stage. There are questions on his ability to dominate at the next level, but his track record so far proves he's willing to put in the work. Edge isn't a huge area of need for Jacksonville, so this is moreso taking the best player available.
18. Bengals: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Almost no one knew who Quinyon Mitchell was before February. Then in the pre-draft process, he exploded into the national consciousness. He has the ideal build, quickness, and speed to be an NFL corner; the biggest detraction is his lack of experience against top-end talent. How will he adapt to the physicality of NFL receivers? Cincinnati should be the team to find out. The Bengals are decent at cornerback, but Mitchell could push to be a starter right away, and in this pass-happy era of pro football, a team can never have too many shutdown cornerbacks.
19. Rams: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
The Texas defensive front was menacing in 2023, and Murphy II was the ringleader. He's a bit short for defensive tackle, but in a post-Aaron Donald world, it's been proven that shorter interior defensive linemen can thrive. He's still a thick, 300-pounder with explosiveness to slice through offensive lines. The Rams already bolstered their 3-4 front line in 2023 by drafting Kobie Turner, and now they give him a running mate of the future with Murphy II.
20. Steelers: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The Steelers are in desperate need of a revitalized offensive line, and they get the most promising tackle available in JC Latham. He comes out of the offensive line factory that is the Alabama Crimson Tide; he's been well-coached and experienced, and he's massive even by offensive line standards. He's mostly experienced at right tackle, so the Steelers will have to decide if they move him or 2023 first rounder Broderick Jones to the left side.
21. Dolphins: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Speaking of the Alabama Crimson Tide football factory, Nick Saban and Co. constantly churn out cornerbacks. Trevon Diggs, Patrick Surtain II, Brian Branch, and Marlon Humphrey are just a few of the Tide alumni rocking out in NFL secondaries. Arnold is a do-it-all player who shows a passion for the game and looks like a defensive leader. Miami's secondary is fairly loaded right now, but Arnold could begin life as the nickelback, and pairing he and Cam Smith would give the Dolphins a cheap, young duo replace expensive veterans Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard.
22. Eagles: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Cooper DeJean is a totally different type of cornerback from Terrion Arnold. Whereas Arnold blankets receivers, DeJean is more of a freestyler. He's an elite athlete with speed, power, and tackling prowess, plus he's bigger than the average cornerback. With his physicality and skillset, he's a chess piece who may be used as a safety, too. Oh, and he's an excellent kick returner. The Eagles clearly need defensive backs--several of them--and end up with a steal here in DeJean.
23. Vikings: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon
JPJ won the 2023 Rimington Award, which is about all we need to know. The award for the best interior lineman in country is an exceptional achievement. Powers-Johnson steered Oregon's thrilling, dynamic offense, and he has the potential to be the brains of the operation again at the NFL level. His best role is as a center, but the Vikings are solid there for now, so he'd begin his career as a guard. At either position, Powers-Johnson has all the tools to thrive in the NFL.
24. Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OL, Oklahoma
The term thrown around a lot about Tyler Guyton is "potential." He's tall, long, and moves well. However, he's inexperienced compared to his peers and many scouts want his technique refined. Strange as it may sound, Dallas has become one of the best places for developing offensive linemen. They may have to do some position shuffling, but the Cowboys are experts at that, too. He may start on the right side, but his long-term future looks to be as an exceptional left tackle.
25. Packers: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois
The Packers are one of the most complete teams in the league and have no glaring holes. They have young players all over the depth chart who are blossoming into stars. Bringing in Johnny Newton would give them another young stud to pair with Devonte Wyatt on the defensive line and eventually take over for Kenny Clark. Clark still has plenty in the tank, but he is entering his ninth season. Newton might only be a rotational player to begin his career, but with his skillset and some NFL seasoning, he could become a force.
26. Buccaneers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
It feels like we've been talking about McKinstry entering the NFL for years now. Another Alabama cornerback prospect, McKinstry is exceptionally experienced with high football IQ. He has prototypical size and uses it well with his physical style. The Buccaneers have quietly been one of the best drafting teams for a while now, and their defense is filled with first rounders. McKinstry playing opposite Jamel Dean with Antoine Winfield, Jr. patrolling the midddle would make for a ferocious secondary.
27. Cardinals: Amarius Mims, OL, Georgia
The definition of a project player, Mims is a mammoth human being with all the potential in the world. However, he only played a handful of games in college and battled multiple injuries. He has everything--size, power, feet quickness, hand technique--an NFL lineman needs, but whichever team drafts him will have to be confident they can mold the raw talents. Arizona currently has Jonah Williams and Paris Johnson, Jr. starting at tackle, but they both have questions, too. If Mims works out at tackle, the Cardinals could experiment with one of those two inside to shore up a shaky interior offensive line.
28. Bills: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Thomas, Jr. shot up the board with a breakout season in 2023. He's big, he's tall, and he can glide down the field. He'll be able to chase down deep bombs and win contested catches--a cherished skill when the Bills have Josh Allen launching the biggest throws in the game. He may not be the shiftiest or most explosive player, but the Bills have that covered with their second and third options. They need a Michael Pittman, Jr. leading receiver type, and they find that with Thomas, Jr.
29. Lions: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Lions are still searching to find that secret recipe for their secondary. Brian Branch looks like the real deal, and they play him all over the field. They brought in Carlton Davis at one corner, but in their 3-3-5 system, one position is still up for grabs. Wiggins is a speed demon who flies around the field. He gets knocked for being small, but he makes up for it with explosiveness. He may not be the physical hitter Branch is, but he can run and stick to receivers downfield.
30. Ravens: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
Perhaps a reach here for Ennis Rakestraw, Jr., but there's so much positive buzz about him in the pre-draft process, we got excited by the hype. He's a violent, aggressive player who acts like he has something to prove on every play. Critics focus on his slender build, but he's still long enough to contest catches. His reckless abandon attitude and ferocity are perfect for the Ravens.
31. Niners: Kingsley Suamatia, OT, BYU
A bit of a wild card here, but offensive linemen are in such high demand in the NFL, and we've gutted the position in the first round. Suamatia is a bit raw, but he has all the physical traits and looks the part of an NFL offensive tackle. He may not start right away, but after some technical refinement and adapting to the league, he could take over the right tackle spot opposite all-time great Trent Williams. Or, perhaps, take over for Williams in a few years.
32. Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
On one hand, the Chiefs are still trying to figure out their wide receiver room; on the other, does it really matter as long as they have Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid? Mahomes makes it work no matter whose out there. This team really doesn't have any holes, but with Travis Kelce getting older, questions about Rashee Rice, and no one else on the roster breaking out as a number one option, the Chiefs look to the speedster Xavier Worthy. He may need to add some size and improve his technique, but we've seen what Mahomes can do with a burner--Tyreek Hill--on the outside. Worthy can also be a dangerous weapon in the return game.
Round 2
1. Panthers: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
2. Patriots: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
3. Cardinals: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
4. Commanders: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
5. Chargers: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
6. Titans: Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
7. Panthers: Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
8. Commanders: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
9. Packers: Christian Haynes, OL, UConn
10. Texans: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
11. Falcons: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
12. Raiders: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
13. Saints: Zach Frazier, OL, West Virginia
14. Colts: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
15. Giants: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
16. Jaguars: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL)
17. Bengals: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
18. Eagles: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
29. Steelers: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
20. Rams: Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
21. Eagles: Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, OL, Georgia
22. Browns: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
23. Dolphins: Bralen Trice, DE, Washington
24. Cowboys: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
25. Buccaneers: Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., LB, Clemson
26. Packers: Patrick Paul, OL, Houston
27. Texans: Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (FL)
28. Bills: Adisa Isaac, DE, Penn State
29. Lions: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
30. Ravens: Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
31. Niners: Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
32. Chiefs: Renardo Green, CB, Florida State
Round 3
1. Panthers: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
2. Cardinals: Chris Braswell, DE, Alabama
3. Commanders: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
4. Patriots: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
5. Chargers: Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
6. Giants: Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State
7. Cardinals: T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
8. Jets: Calen Bullock, S, USC
9. Lions: Beau Brade, S, Maryland
10. Falcons: Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest
11. Bears: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
12. Broncos: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
13. Raiders: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
14. Commanders: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
15. Falcons: Maason Smith, DT, LSU
16. Bengals: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
17. Seahawks: Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
18. Colts: Christian Mahogany, OG, Boston College
19. Rams: Dominick Puni, OG, Kansas
20. Steelers: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
21. Browns: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
22. Texans: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
23. Cowboys: Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
24. Packers: Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
25. Buccaneers: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
26. Cardinals: D.J. James, CB, Auburn
27. Packers: Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
28. Buccaneers: Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon
29. Ravens: Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon
30. 49ers: Cole Bishop, S, Utah
31. Chiefs: Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan
32. Jaguars: Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington
Compensatory Selections
33. Bengals: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
34. Steelers: Delmar Glaze, OL, Maryland
35. Rams: Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
36. Commanders: Austin Booker, DE, Kansas