2024 NFL Mock Draft

As I write this introduction, the 2024 NFL Draft has begun. With that being said, I'll keep it short and sweet: this mock draft is what I THINK will happen, not necessarily what I would do.

Chicago Bears select QB Caleb Williams (USC)

From the moment the Chicago Bears secured the first overall pick (via Carolina in the Bryce Young trade), it’s been a foregone conclusion that the Bears will take USC’s Caleb Williams (sorry Justin Fields truthers). Williams is the total package at QB, combining superb arm talent with tantalizing athleticism and playmaking. Let’s just say it wasn’t an accident or luck that the guy won the Heisman Trophy in his first full season as a starter as a sophomore in 2022. He’s far from perfect, but Bears fans should be extremely pleased and hopeful with Williams as their new QB1. Perhaps they’ll get a weapon for him with their other first round pick? Stay tuned. 

1. Washington Commanders select QB Drake Maye (North Carolina)

The Washington Commanders are certainly selecting a new signal-caller, but which one? I believe they’ll take North Carolina’s Drake Maye, a physical prototype for the quarterback position. Maye possesses a huge arm, but also the ability to fit throws in tight windows at all levels of the field. In his college career, in which he started two seasons, Maye compiled upwards of 8000 yards, 63 passing TDs, and 16 rushing TDs. He still has room to grow in terms of footwork/technique and needs to hone in on decision-making to avoid an interception-filled rookie season, but the sky's the limit for this Tar Heel. Upon landing Maye, Washington must be aggressive in building around him and providing him the weapons and protection for him to blossom into a superstar. 

1. New England Patriots select QB Jayden Daniels (LSU)

 It’s a new era in New England with Bill Belicheck (and, of less importance, Mac Jones) out, so it’ll be fascinating to see how the Patriots operate moving forward. Going into the 2023 football season, Jayden Daniels was known as an electric athlete and overall solid player, but by no means a bona-fide first round prospect. Fast forward, he wins the Heisman Trophy on the back of 3812 yards passing, 1134 yards rushing, and 50 total TDs. The slim frame of Daniels can be seen as both a positive and a negative. It’s a positive in terms of his escability and elusivity, but it also raises questions about his durability in the pros. Running is largely his calling card, but to truly thrive at the next level, Daniels is going to have to learn how to stay in the pocket and through with pressure closing in. There’s a lot of risk that goes along with Jayden Daniels, but with mobile QBs like Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson taking over the sport, I reckon the Patriots (or any team, for that matter) will happily take a chance on Daniels. 

1. Arizona Cardinals select WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)

Marvin Harrison Jr. won’t be the number one pick in this draft, but that won’t deter me from calling him the best player in this draft class. Kin of Hall of Fame WR Marvin Harrison, Harrison Jr. was the most feared and dominant pass-catcher in all of college football over the past two seasons. A two-time All American, Harrison Jr. brought in 155 catches for 2613 yards and 31 TDs during his time in Columbus. He’s not freakishly large or fast, but he’s a route running master with elite ball skills and a knack for getting open. The Cardinals already have their franchise QB in Kyler Murray, so taking Harrison with the fourth pick is an absolute no-brainer. This is a total slam dunk and steal, “Maserati Marv” is just that good.

1. Minnesota Vikings (via LAC) select QB J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)

The Los Angeles Chargers are slated to pick at number five, but I have the Minnesota Vikings trading up to select their (supposed) franchise QB. J.J. McCarthy didn’t post particularly gaudy stats during his time at Michigan, but if there’s one thing you can say about McCarthy, it’s that he’s a bona-fide winner. McCarthy has risen up draft boards due to his impressive athleticism and professional acumen, but still has a lot of question marks surrounding him. Can he be a productive and efficient passer without a championship offensive line and running game? I’m not certain he can, but Minnesota would be a great landing spot for McCarthy to develop under coach Kevin O’Connell and throw to superstar WR Justin Jefferson.

1. New York Giants select WR Malik Nabers (LSU)

The New York Giants are in a yucky spot at QB with Daniel Jones and could be in the market for a new passer, but I opted to give them a weapon. WR Malik Nabers isn’t quite on the level of Marvin Harrison Jr., but he’s still an elite prospect. He doesn’t possess a huge frame, but makes up for it with eye-popping acceleration and home run hitting ability. With Heisman Trophy winner and #3 pick Jayden Daniels throwing him the ball last season, Nabers eclipsed 1500 yards and hauled in 14 TDs, making him an All-American. Nabers won’t fix the Daniel Jones problem himself, but he would certainly help by instantly becoming the focal point of the offense.

1. Tennessee Titans select OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame)

The Tennessee Titans, entering the post-Derrick Henry era, could go a few different ways with this pick. Focusing on setting QB Will Levis up for success, the Titans could go the route of WR (i.e. Washington’s Rome Odunze), but after signing WR Calvin Ridley in free agency, I think they’ll attempt to beef up their offensive line. OT Joe Alt, a two-time All-American and captain at Notre Dame, is the consensus top lineman in this draft. He’s a plug and play guy that should acclimate to the pros quickly and provide quality protection for Levis. There’s no reason for Tennessee to overthink this, Alt is the perfect pick here.

1. Atlanta Falcons select EDGE Dallas Turner (Alabama)

Kirk Cousins has arrived in Atlanta to solve the QB woes for the Falcons, enabling them to take the best player available. From the moment he stepped on campus at Alabama, EDGE Dallas Taylor looked like a future first rounder. On the same defense as now-Texans EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Turner found a way to stand out with his refined pass rush ability and endlessly high motor. He closed out his final season with 10 sacks and an All-American nod. I feel confident that Turner will turn heads and make an instant impact. 

1. Chicago Bears select WR Rome Odunze (Washington)

With QB Caleb Williams now in the fold, let’s give him someone to throw the ball to. Washington WR Rome Odunze, the reigning Bilitnikoff Winner, is just the guy! Odunze is the total package, a crisp route runner with an impressive vertical to go up and make big plays. Upon entering the league, Odunze and D.J. Moore can quickly establish themselves as one of the league’s best wideout duos. 

1. New York Jets select TE Brock Bowers (Georgia)

As always. the New York Jets could target the offensive line. On the other hand, Georgia TE Brock Bowers is a top five player in this draft based on pure talent. Bowers was the recipient of the Mackey Award, given to America’s best TE, the past two seasons because of his monster production. He’s not your average stiff tight end, rather he’s speedy and athletic on top of his physicality. The thought of putting Bowers in the same offense as RB Breece Hall, WR Garrett Wilson, and a healthy QB Aaron Rodgers is thrilling. 

1. Los Angeles Chargers (via MIN) select WR Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU)

After trading back with Minnesota, I have the Chargers taking WR Brian Thomas Jr. with the eleventh pick. Thomas Jr. isn’t nearly as polished as his LSU teammate Malik Nabers, but he possesses the coveted combination of size and speed. He can’t single handedly fill the hole of departed WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, but I’m sure QB Justin Herbert would love to have Thomas. 

1. Denver Broncos select QB Bo Nix (Oregon)

After the Russell Wilson saga flamed out so devastatingly, the Denver Broncos are back in the QB market. Yes, they acquired Zach Wilson from the New York Jets, but that definitely doesn’t take them out of the running for drafting a QB. Enter Bo Nix, a savvy veteran QB from Oregon. Nix isn’t blessed with the strongest of arms, but he’s a sharply accurate passer with the mobility to extend plays. He might not have what it takes to be an elite QB in the league, but he can be a capable starter. 

1. Las Vegas Raiders select CB Terrion Arnold (Alabama)

The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot of different needs, but upgrading their DB unit is towards the top of the list. Enter Alabama CB Terrion Arnold, a versatile playmaker in the secondary with the type of physicality and intensity that head coach Antonio Pierce covets. 

1. New Orleans Saints select OT Olu Fashanu (Penn State)

At this point, it’s one of the draft’s worst kept secrets that the New Orleans Saints will be aggressive going after an offensive lineman. The best on the board is OT Olu Fashanu, who was a multi-year starter in the Big Ten and is a physical beast. 

1. Indianapolis Colts select EDGE Laiatu Latu (UCLA)

If not for concerns surrounding his health (former medical retiree), I think UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu would be a top ten pick. In Latu, the Indianapolis Colts would be getting a powerful pass rusher with the type of instincts and play recognition that is nearly impossible to teach. 

1. Seattle Seahawks select C Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon)

Should the Seattle Seahawks look to bolster their offensive line, look no further than Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson. He has a foot injury that may scare some teams off, but he’s the best interior lineman in the class and will be productive in the league as a rookie and beyond. 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars select CB Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo)

One of my favorite prospects this cycle, CB Quinyon Mitchell can absolutely fly. He’s more than just speed though, as he also has outstanding reach and is a sure fire tackler. The Jacksonville Jaguars are in need of a young star on defense and Mitchell can be that guy. 

1. Cincinnati Bengals select OT Troy Fautanu (Washington)

There’s a lot of headlines flying out of Cincinnati right now with the trade requests of WR Tee Higgins and EDGE Trey Hendrickson, but that won’t distract the Bengals from honing in on getting more protection for QB Joe Burrow. Washington’s Troy Fautanu is an OT by trade, but has the versatility to line up anywhere along the Bengals line. 

1. Los Angeles Rams select EDGE Jared Verse (Florida State)

Had he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, Florida State EDGE Jared Verse may have been a top ten pick. Instead, he went back to Tallahassee for another year and lands at 19 with the Los Angeles Rams, who are going to have to figure out what life after Aaron Donald looks like in the front seven. Verse has an impressive first step and uses a high motor to consistently finish plays. 

1. Pittsburgh Steelers select OT Amarius Mims (Georgia)

After selecting a Georgia lineman in the first round last year (Broderick Jones), I have the Pittsburgh Steelers double dipping and taking OT Amarius Mims. Mims has a mammoth frame and is a toolsy prospect, he just lacks experience and is going to need some developing. 

1. Miami Dolphins select OT JC Latham (Alabama)

A long time starter at Alabama, OT JC Latham would be a quick fix for the Miami Dolphins and their offensive line. Latham has worked at RT the last few seasons, but has the build to kick inside, if need be. 

1. Philadelphia Eagles select CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)

The Philadelphia Eagles defense in 2023 was highly disappointing, so I imagine Howie Roseman will further address that in this draft. Not only does he have an exciting name, but Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry is a superb prospect. He measures in a hair below 6’, but makes up for it with great ball skills and athleticism. 

1. Los Angeles Chargers (via MIN) select OT Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State)

In the trade up for J.J. McCarthy, I have the Minnesota Vikings surrendering this pick to the Los Angeles Chargers. After the Chargers took WR Brian Thomas Jr. with their first pick, look for them to plug a hole on the offensive line. Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga, listed as an OT, is possibly the draft’s most flexible prospect and can handle

playing any spot the Chargers (or any team) ask of him. 

1. Dallas Cowboys select WR Keon Coleman (Florida State)

A lot of me wanted to stick the Dallas Cowboys with a RB, but there just isn’t a back that feels worthy of this pick. Instead, I went with big-bodied WR Keon Coleman. Coleman is far from an elite separator, but he turns 50/50 balls into 75/25 balls with his massive catch radius and strength on contested catches. I think Coleman would compliment fellow Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb’s style and give QB Dak Prescott a different type of target. 

1. Green Bay Packers select DB Cooper DeJean (Iowa)

This pairing of the Green Bay Packers and DB Cooper DeJean feels like a match made in heaven. DeJean played CB in college, but has the profile and versatility to slide to safety. He’s anchored the vaunted Iowa defense for the past few seasons with his explosive athleticism, textbook tackling, and strong feel for the game. 

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select EDGE Chop Robinson (Penn State)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a surprise run to the playoffs in 2023, but still have plenty of holes to address, namely on the defensive side of the ball. Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson is a bit risky of a pick based on his lack of overwhelming production, but he’s worth that risk because of his freaky athleticism. There aren’t many guys that can move like Robinson does, it’s just a matter of improving technique and delivering stats. 

1. Arizona Cardinals select DT Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois)

Amidst a rebuild, the Arizona Cardinals should be focused on taking the best player available. After having WR Marvin Harrison Jr. fall in their lap at pick four, the Cardinals are blessed to have Illinois DT Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton available here. Newton is a disruptive force in the interior with a hefty enough bag of tricks that he doesn’t have to rely just on power. 

1. Buffalo Bills select S Tyler Nubin (Minnesota)

The Buffalo Bills could definitely snag a wideout here, but they also have a sizable need in the secondary. S Tyler Nubin doesn’t stand out with athleticism, but he has an impressive frame, quality range, and strong tackling prowess. In terms of production, Nubin proved himself with a fruitful career and solid numbers at Minnesota. 

1. Detroit Lions select CB Nate Wiggins (Clemson)

The 2023 Detroit Lions had a championship caliber offense, but a defense that was frequently exposed. They have a hole at CB that Clemson’s Nate Wiggins can slide into. Wiggins turned heads with a 4.28 forty yard dash performance at the NFL Combine. He has to grow in terms of timing and consistency on each repetition, but Wiggins has the profile of a high-quality starter in the league. 

1. Baltimore Ravens select OL Graham Barton (Duke)

The Baltimore Ravens are known for living in the trenches, so Graham Barton from Duke makes a ton of sense. Barton finished his college career playing on the outside, but scouts project he’ll wind up as a center in the pros. 

1. San Francisco 49ers select OT Jordan Morgan (Arizona)

Trading out of the first round is a strong possibility for the San Francisco 49ers, but they’ll stay put and add to their offensive line depth. OT Jordan Morgan has five years of experience and draws rave reviews, but has dealt with various injuries through his college career. 

1. Kansas City Chiefs select WR Xavier Worthy (Texas)

To conclude the first round, I think it makes too much sense for the Kansas City Chiefs to add a WR for QB Patrick Mahomes. A former Texas Longhorn, WR Xavier Worthy broke records at the NFL Combine with his speed, which translates very well into the football field with the ball in his hands. His physicality is questionable, but Andy Reid should be able to scheme Worthy into great success. 

Notable Omissions

• QB Michael Penix Jr. (Washington)

• WR Adonai Mitchell (Texas)

• WR Xavier Legette (South Carolina)

• OT Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma)

• OT Kingsley Suamataia (BYU)

• OT Patrick Paul (Houston)

• DT Byron Murphy II (Texas)

• EDGE Darius Robinson (Missouri)

• CB Kamari Lassiter (Georgia)

• S Kamren Kitchens (Miami)

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading!

Don't forget to follow our Instagram, Twitter, and check out the podcast!