With the 2023 college football regular season in the books and the NFL regular season entering its home stretch, let’s do our best to predict all 32 first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
(Draft order via Tankathon)
1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers) – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Justin Fields hasn’t been a total bust, but if the Bears wind up with the top pick via the Panthers, they’ll likely use it to select a new quarterback. Caleb Williams isn’t as much of a lock to go No. 1 overall as he was entering the season, but he’s still the frontrunner at this point in the draft process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0ZsMXKq8GA&pp=ygUZY2FsZWIgd2lsbGlhbXMgaGlnaGxpZ2h0cw%3D%3D
2. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
It’s hard to imagine that the Patriots would endure this much losing and not use the opportunity to take a new franchise quarterback. Whether it’s Williams or Drake Maye, either prospect should be an upgrade over New England’s current quarterback situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8CjX0JzL_U&pp=ygUVZHJha2UgbWF5ZSBoaWdobGlnaHRz
3. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
With Kyler Murray’s five-year, $230 million extension set to kick in, the Cardinals don’t need a new quarterback. If Marvin Harrison Jr. is still on the board when it’s time to make its pick, Arizona won’t be able to turn in its card fast enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltL5oIp4Mfk&pp=ygUdbWFydmluIGhhcnJpc29uIGpyIGhpZ2hsaWdodHM%3D
4. Washington Commanders – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Commanders could be in the market for a quarterback next offseason, but Sam Howell has played well enough that they won’t need to reach (they could also go the free agency/trade route). With the top two signal-callers off the board, Washington locks up the best left tackle in the draft in Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu.
5. Chicago Bears – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
After securing a new franchise quarterback with the first pick, it makes sense for Chicago to get him some weapons. If not for Harrison, Malik Nabers would be a more-than-qualified WR1.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
As they look to hire a new general manager and head coach, the Raiders could be headed for a full-on rebuild. If that’s the case, it would make sense for Las Vegas to stabilize its offensive line with a high-upside — and versatile — prospect like JC Latham.
7. New York Jets – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Jets would have owed this pick to the Green Bay Packers if not for Aaron Rodgers’ injury. Considering that keeping it is somewhat of a bonus, why not grab the 40-year-old quarterback one of the draft’s most talented players, regardless of position, in Georgia tight end Brock Bowers?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–YeukRMdxE&pp=ygUXYnJvY2sgYm93ZXJzIGhpZ2hsaWdodHM%3D
8. New York Giants – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
It would be wise for the Giants to upgrade what’s arguably the worst receiving corps in the NFL. With his ability as a deep threat, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Rome Odunze shoot up draft boards this spring.
9. Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Titans didn’t seem to have much of a succession plan in place at left tackle when they waived Taylor Lewan. Using its potential top-10 pick on a two-time All-American in Joe Alt would fill that void.
10. Los Angeles Chargers – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Chargers might be headed for a new head coach, but unless they upgrade their personnel, their defensive problems will remain. Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry could be a difference maker in the Los Angeles secondary.
11. Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
It seems like the Falcons have had pass rush problems dating back to their blown Super Bowl lead against the Patriots. In a deep class of edge defenders, Dallas Turner might be the best of the bunch.
12. New Orleans Saints – Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
Cameron Jordan is still plenty productive, but he isn’t getting any younger. A talented pass rusher like Jared Verse would provide the Saints’ defensive line with some much needed youth.
13. Seattle Seahawks – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The nature of Geno Smith’s contract means the Seahawks could be in the market for a new quarterback this offseason. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Jayden Daniels would fit right into an offense that includes DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxson Smith-Njigba.
14. Los Angeles Rams – Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
The Rams haven’t had a first-round pick since taking Jared Goff No. 1 overall in 2016. Assuming they keep this selection, it makes sense to take a swing on a high-upside talent at a premium position like UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu.
15. Denver Broncos – Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
The Broncos jumpstarted a youth movement on defense when they parted ways with Frank Clark and Randy Gregory midseason. Having tallied 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in the last three seasons, Chop Robinson could help replenish Denver’s pass rush.
16. Arizona Cardinals (via Texans) – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Cardinals’ secondary stands out as a particular area of need. Nate Wiggins is the type of long and athletic cornerback who could thrive under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
17. Buffalo Bills – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Bills need to get Josh Allen more weapons and Gabe Davis is about to hit free agency. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Keon Coleman would bring a new dynamic to Buffalo’s passing attack.
18. Cincinnati Bengals – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
With Joe Burrow under contract and Ja’Marr Chase due for an extension, it looks like Tee Higgins is going to be the odd man out in Cincinnati. A former 5-star prospect, Emeka Egbuka could shine opposite Chase — just as he did opposite Harrison Jr. at Ohio State.
19. Green Bay Packers – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
David Bakhtiari’s time in Green Bay has likely come to an end. Amarius Mims has primarily played right tackle at Georgia, but has the versatility and talent to be the next cornerstone on the Packers’ offensive line.
Eyes on @tateratledge22 & @amarius_mims pic.twitter.com/dLoitsa2mJ
— Brooks Austin (@BrooksAustinBA) November 19, 2023
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
It appears that Tampa Bay is trying to avoid enduring a full on rebuild post-Tom Brady. Adding an experienced and high-upside quarterback prospect like J.J. McCarthy could help thread that needle.
21. Indianapolis Colts – Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa
The Colts need to infuse their defense with young talent, particularly in the secondary. With the ability to play corner or safety and seven career interceptions to his credit, Cooper DeJean would give Indianapolis with a much-needed defensive playmaker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs4C9Z8Hl9Q&pp=ygUZY29vcGVyIGRlamVhbiBoaWdobGlnaHRzIA%3D%3D
22. Minnesota Vikings – Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
Minnesota’s front-seven leaves a lot to be desired — especially on the outside. Bralen Trice is a versatile and productive player who would fit right into defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ 3-4 scheme.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kalen King, CB, Penn State
The Steelers’ secondary needs help. One year after taking Joey Porter Jr. in the second round, they go back to State College for his former Nittany Lions teammate, Kalen King.
24. Houston Texans (via Browns) – Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
If there’s anyone who can get the most out of a talented, but undersized, defensive lineman like Jer’Zhan Newton, it’s Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans.
25. Kansas City Chiefs – J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
While all of the attention this offseason will likely be on the Chiefs’ pass-catchers, their defense could use some new weapons too. J.T. Tuimoloau didn’t live up to the hype as a 5-start prospect at Ohio State, but still showed flashes of possessing game-wrecking ability.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Considering the contract extension he’ll likely be signing, it makes sense for the Jaguars to continue investing in protecting Trevor Lawrence. Taliese Fuaga could help do just that, while also aiding Jacksonville’s rushing attack.
27. Detroit Lions – Leonard Taylor III, DL, Miami (Fla.)
Detroit needs to get Aidan Hutchinson some help on the defensive line. Between his size (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) and ability (22.5 tackles for loss, six sacks in three seasons), Leonard Taylor III could help take some of the pressure off of the former No. 2 overall pick.
28. Philadelphia Eagles – Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
The Eagles have made a habit of filling their defense with Georgia alums. Why stop now? Kamari Lassiter would add some much needed youth to Philadelphia’s secondary.
29. Miami Dolphins – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
It’s no secret that Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel loves speed. And there may not be a faster player in the draft than Xavier Worthy, who could help open up even more of the Dolphins’ offense for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
30. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Between Tyron Smith’s age and Terence Steele’s ineffectiveness, the Cowboys could be in the market for multiple offensive tackles this offseason. Patrick Paul should be a Day 1 contributor in his rookie season.
31. San Francisco 49ers – Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The 49ers will likely be looking to upgrade multiple spots on their offensive line and that’s before knowing whether or not Trent Williams will retire. That could make Troy Fautanu’s ability to play tackle or guard extra appealing to San Francisco.
32. Baltimore Ravens – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Ravens desperately need to get younger at cornerback. A former 5-star prospect, Terrion Arnold is kind of defensive playmaker that Baltimore covets.
Previous mock drafts:
2024 NFL mock draft: post-Week 4 predictions
