2024 NFL Mock Draft

It’s Draft Season! For my first Mock Draft of the year, this will be what I would do if I were the GM of each team picking in the first round. The NFL Scouting Combine begins this weekend, and all the info gathered from team/player meetings, medical checks, and the rumor mill are all pieces of the NFL Draft puzzle. Without further ado, enjoy my 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0!

1. CHICAGO – Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Justin Fields hasn’t progressed as expected thus far, and will be due for a contract extension after this upcoming season if his fifth year option isn’t picked up. This is an opportunity to reset the quarterback salary cap hit, and build around a better prospect.

2. WASHINGTON – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

I like Sam Howell, but he didn’t look like the long term answer at quarterback. New general manager, new coaching staff, new offensive system, and now a new quarterback to lead this new era in Washington football. Drake Maye showed true franchise quarterback potential in college.

3. NEW ENGLAND – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe have shown they are not the future at the quarterback position in New England. A trade down is possible if they add a veteran QB via free agency or trade, but if not, taking whichever quarterback is left of the big three would make sense.

4. ARIZONA – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Arizona can stay pat and take arguably the top player in this class. Harrison Jr. will slide right in as Kyler Murray’s top wideout. With Hollywood Brown headed for free agency, this would fill a huge need and also be a great example of going “best player available” (B.P.A).

5. LA CHARGERS – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

This pick just makes a lot of sense on a few fronts. Bowers is one of the top players in this Draft class, fills a massive hole on offense, and fits right into Harbaugh’s scheme. Veteran tight end Gerald Everett is a free agent, and Harbaugh likes to use multiple tight ends on offense.

6. NY GIANTS – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

I keep seeing one of the top wide receivers being mocked to the Giants, and I don’t get it. Yes, this team needs a legit top target at receiver, but the offensive line has been one of the worst in the NFL over the past couple of seasons. This is a deep group of wideouts in this class, and the Giants have to address the offensive line sooner than later.

7. TENNESSEE – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Tennessee is a team that can go in a number of directions with this pick, including adding an elite receiver prospect. The Titans also happen to have one of, if not the worst, offensive lines in football. They could go offensive tackle here and still find themselves a starting quality wideout on day two.

8. ATLANTA – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

This was the first pick where it got really interesting for me. Atlanta has a glaring need at quarterback, but they may choose to go the veteran route at QB. If they do, Nabers would be the explosive downfield threat this team lacks. Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Brian Robinson, and Nabers would form one of the best young skill position groups in the league.

9. CHICAGO – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Chicago can’t botch Caleb Williams’ development as they did with Justin Fields. If Odunze is on the board here, the Bears would be wise to pair him up with D.J. Moore. Odunze, Moore, and Kmet is a solid receiving group for the new franchise QB.

10. NY JETS – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

This pick should be simple – add offensive line help for Aaron Rodgers. The issues along the offensive line for Gang Green are well documented. Injuries to key starters and bad play in general plagued the line last season. There may be as many as three new starters up front next season. Fuaga can start at tackle, and play guard if needed.

11. MINNESOTA – Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Minnesota may be interested in a quarterback here, but there’s a good chance they re-sign Kirk Cousins. If they do, that would free this pick up to address the defense. Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, and Marcus Davenport are slated to be free agents. Dallas Turner needs some refinement, but would be an immediate starter on the edge for the Vikings.

12. DENVER – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

With Russel Wilson seemingly on his way out this off-season, Denver will be in the market for a new QB. J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix are popular picks in mock drafts, but Penix Jr. should also be in consideration. Although he comes with injury concerns, Penix Jr. is experienced as a starter and plays well in structure.

13. LAS VEGAS – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

The Raiders could use upgrades all over the defense, but the offensive line may need some reinforcements. The offensive line played surprisingly well, but three starters are headed for free agency, including right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. Mims is raw, but athletically gifted, and his stock has been rising fast.

14. NEW ORLEANS – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

The Saints are in salary cap hell, and major changes could be coming for this organization. Long time wide receiver Michael Thomas has one year left on his contract, and hasn’t been able to stay healthy the last few years. Thomas Jr. is a deep threat who can open it up over the middle for Chris Olave.

15. INDIANAPOLIS – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

If the Colts re-sign receiver Michael Pittman Jr., they could focus on improving at cornerback with this pick. There is no consensus top corner in this class, but Terrion Arnold is definitely in the conversation. Arnold is an athletic corner who isn’t afraid to come up against the run, and could be an outside starter from day one.

16. SEATTLE – Troy Fautanu, OG, Washington

Although both took a step back this past season, Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas are the likely starters at offensive tackle. The interior of the line, however, badly needs to be shored up. Fautanu was a solid left tackle in college, but his lack of ideal length will likely push him inside.

17. JACKSONVILLE – Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Edge rusher Josh Allen is a beast, but he is going to be a free agent. The franchise tag is possible, but Dawuane Smoot and K’Lavon Chaisson, key rotation guys, are also free agents. Latu has injury questions to overcome, but he has pro ready pass rush moves and prototype size/length.

18. CINCINNATI – J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama

Cincinnati has tried to improve a bad offensive line over the past couple of off-seasons, but upgrades are still needed. Jonah Williams is a free agent, but he is replaceable. Latham can start at right tackle as a rookie and bump inside to guard in a pinch.

19. LA RAMS – Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

The Rams are a wild card here, as they can go in a number of directions, but the pass rush is a huge need. Byron Young has some potential, but neither he nor Michael Hoecht really stood out. Jared Verse’s explosiveness and versatility would fit in nicely with the Rams.

20. PITTSBURGH – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Pittsburgh traded up and selected offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. They also signed Isaac Seumalo as a free agent to start at guard. Those were good additions, but more help is needed up front. Tyler Guyton has prototype size and length, and saw his stock rise at the Senior Bowl.

21. MIAMI – Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

Miami has a bunch of offensive linemen hitting free agency, including guards Robert Hunt and Isaiah Wynn, as well as center Connor Williams. Williams played well when he was on the field, but missed more than half the season due to injury, as did both Hunt and Wynn. Jackson Powers-Johnson has experience at both guard and center, and he could be tabbed to replace Williams at center.

22. PHILADELPHIA – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Philadelphia has veterans at cornerback like Darius Slay and James Bradberry, but neither played well this season. The secondary as a whole disappointed and Philly had one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Quinyon Mitchell had a great season for Toledo, and was one of the best defensive players at the Senior Bowl.

23. HOUSTON – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Houston has several players in the secondary heading for free agency, including starting outside cornerback Steven Nelson. Nate Wiggins is an elite athlete with ball skills and the size to match-up with any receiver. Wiggins would be an ideal running mate for Derek Stingley Jr., and could go higher than this come Draft day.

24. DALLAS – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Dallas had one of the better offensive lines in the league, but dealt with injury issues at left tackle and guard. Right tackle Terence Steele stayed healthy, but was a big disappointment. Longtime left tackle Tyron Smith is also hitting free agency. Morgan is one of the better pass blockers in this class, and allowed only two sacks over 12 games this season.

25. GREEN BAY – Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

The Packers have several key defensive backs with expiring contracts. There have also been whispers that Jaire Alexander could be a salary cap casualty. Either way, the team will need to restock the secondary. Cooper DeJean was a cornerback at Iowa, but he has the size and athleticism to play in the slot or safety.

26. TAMPA BAY – Kool-Aid McKinstry, DB, Alabama

Tampa Bay has several big name starters hitting the open market including Mike Evans, Lavonte David, Baker Mayfield, and Antoine Winfield, Jr. McKinstry is a big, physical corner who could play safety if Winfield Jr. isn’t re-signed.

27. ARIZONA – Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

Arizona has needs all over the defense, but the defensive line is sorely lacking difference makers. Jer’Zhan Newton has experience as both a 3-Technique and 5-Technique lineman, so he fits perfectly in Arizona’s 3-4 front. Newton displays excellent burst and can generate pressure up the middle.

28. BUFFALO – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Stefon Diggs might be on his way out of Buffalo sooner than later (if you’re buying the whispers), and Gabe Davis is a free agent. Wide receiver was a need even with Davis on the squad, but replacing him should be a top priority. Someone like Keon Coleman would be a solid choice. Coleman is big (6’4″, 215 lbs.), and excels in jump ball situations.

29. DETROIT – Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

Detroit surprisingly made the NFC Championship, but this team still needs major upgrades – particularly in the secondary. The Lions were excellent against the run, but fielded one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. can play on the outside or in the slot, and is excellent in zone coverage. Day one starter in Detroit.

30. BALTIMORE – Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

Defensive lineman Justin Madubuike had a breakout season, tallying a career high 13 sacks. Unfortunately, he is a pending free agent, and the team has a bunch of key players hitting the market. Byron Murphy II took a big step forward in his development this season at Texas. He is quick at the point of attack, and is an excellent interior pass rusher.

31. SAN FRANCISCO – Graham Barton, OT/OG, Duke

Outside of franchise left tackle Trent Williams, and maybe Jon Feliciano, the offensive line badly needs upgrades. Colton McKivitz was one of the worst right tackles in the league, so maybe Barton can start out there even though he was a left tackle at Duke. If he struggles, he would be fine playing inside at guard.

32. KANSAS CITY – Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Kansas City might have won the Super Bowl (again), but the offense is in dire need of upgrades at wide receiver. Kadarius Toney has been a bust, Marquez Valdes-Scantling drops too many passes, and Skyy Moore has failed to develop. Rashee Rice had an excellent rookie season, but he needs a running mate. Troy Franklin can take the top off of defenses with his elite speed/size combo, and can be the downfield threat this passing attack sorely needs.