The NFL season is heading into a heated playoff race, and with the college football regular season and conference championships wrapped up, fans of some of the more disappointing pro teams are starting to dive into 2024 NFL mock draft season.
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The Caleb Williams and Drake Maye debate is starting to heat up, multiple wide receivers are competing to be WR2 behind Marvin Harrison Jr., and top offensive tackles are wondering just how early they can be taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.
There's still plenty of time for things to shake up, but heading into bowl season, let's take a look at first-round projections in this latest 2024 NFL mock draft.
Draft order courtesy of Tankathon through Week 13.
1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers)
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Chicago Bears have a massive Justin Fields question that they still need to answer, but this is a team that could look drastically different in 2024 with a new general manager, a new head coach, and a new quarterback.
All three of those might not happen, but if someone else takes over in Chicago, a new quarterback is likely going to be priority number one, regardless of how well Fields plays in the final few weeks of this season. Despite a rocky 2023 campaign, USC's Caleb Williams should still be considered the No. 1 pick thanks to his arm talent, athleticism, and off-script ability that will make him one of the more entertaining playmakers in the NFL next season.
2. New England Patriots
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Mac Jones era in New England has to be over. The former first-round pick out of Alabama has played so poorly that Bill Belichick's job is suddenly in jeopardy, and regardless of whether or not the legendary head coach returns, the Patriots are going to be in the market for a new QB.
Drake Maye out of North Carolina is the more prototypical pro-style quarterback compared to Williams, but that doesn't mean that he's not a very good athlete in his own right. The Tar Heels QB is also an elite pre- and post-snap processor, allowing him to take advantage of openings in the defense with some excellent ball placement down the field.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
If the Arizona Cardinals find a way to win themselves out of position for the top two quarterbacks, it might not be the worst thing in the world. Kyler Murray has returned from a torn ACL and played at a solid level, but lacks a true weapon to throw to outside of emerging tight end Trey McBride.
Marvin Harrison Jr. would step into Arizona as the immediate No. 1 wide receiver. The 6'4" prospect has outrageous body control to come away with all kinds of incredible catches, plus the explosiveness and wiggle off the snap to create separation. That kind of weapon could open things up in a big way for Arizona's offense, especially when Murray goes off script.
4. Washington Commanders
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Commanders might have found their long-term quarterback in Sam Howell, but it's hard to get an idea of his full potential with how often he's being hit. The 23-year-old has been sacked an incredible 58 times this season, further emphasizing the team's need for stability on the offensive line.
Olu Fashanu could have been a top offensive tackle prospect in 2023, but decided to come back for one more season with Penn State. At 6'6" and 319 pounds, he has an ideal frame for a left tackle, along with the movement skills and developing anchor to be a reliable protector of his quarterback's blind spot at the NFL level for years to come.
5. Chicago Bears
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Bears have a tough decision to make with their second pick in the first round. With a top quarterback already taken, the Bears might be wise to trade back for even more assets to build around Williams, but if they decide to stay at No. 5, a speedster to pair alongside D.J. Moore could give Chicago's offense an added dimension.
Malik Nabers might be the best pure vertical threat in this upcoming draft class. Averaging 18 yards per reception with 14 touchdowns on the year, he's made it difficult for college defenses to contain the LSU offense, and that kind of top-end play speed could open things underneath for Williams and the rest of Chicago's receivers.
6. New York Jets
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
With all of the issues surrounding the New York Jets offensive line, the franchise may have no choice but to take an offensive tackle to protect their veteran quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.
Alt is an absolute road grader in the trenches, using his play strength, pad level, and footwork to generate plenty of push at the point of contact. While he hasn't been tested often against top-tier pass rushers while at Notre Dame, Alt's total body of work has him looking like a legitimate long-term tackle option on either side of the offensive line, depending on where the Jets would want to put him.
7. New York Giants
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Even after Daniel Jones returns from his torn ACL, it's become evident that the Giants need to go in a different direction to turn their offense around. Head coach Brian Daboll could be coaching for his job next year if things don't turn around quickly, so bringing in a dynamic quarterback, even if he's potentially a reach with the seventh overall pick, could be the desperate kind of move the Giants would make to try and quickly turn things around in New York.
Jayden Daniels has developed remarkably as a passer this year, but it's his mobility and explosiveness that makes him such an intriguing QB prospect. With 50 total touchdowns on the year, he's been the most productive quarterback in college football this season, but he'll need to continue relying more on his arm than his legs at the NFL level in order to turn into a true franchise quarterback.
8. Tennessee Titans
Taliese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State
Even after taking Peter Skoronski in the first round of last year's draft, the Tennessee Titans are trying to figure out what long-term options to slot into their offense line. Someone with versatility at both tackle and guard could be beneficial, and Taliese Fuaga could be an ideal pick as one of the nation's fastest-rising prospects.
The 6'6", 334-pound lineman has played right tackle exclusively with the Beavers, but his ability to dominate at the point of attack as a run blocker could allow him to kick inside if needed. Either if the Titans prefer him on the outside, he'd have no problem stepping into the starting lineup as a right tackle for Tennessee.
9. New Orleans Saints
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The New Orleans Saints are not in a great situation right now. Along with being in cap hell for the foreseeable future, the team has forced itself into a long-term financial commitment with quarterback Derek Carr. While a replacement quarterback in the first round would be nice, the Saints might need to start thinking about the future with help rushing the passer as a team that is tied for 31st with 19 total sacks this year.
Laiatu Latu's football career was nearly derailed by a neck injury while at Washington, but the UCLA star has developed into one of the most dominant EDGE prospects in the country. It's unclear how he could fit into the Saints' current 4-3 scheme, but there's also no guarantee that the coaching staff that implemented that scheme is sticking around past this season.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Photo by Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dangerously teetering towards a full-scale rebuild. If that ends up being the case, and they are unable to take a swing on a top QB like Williams or Maye, then they might want to just go with the best player available with their first-round pick, and that would unquestionably be Georgia tight end Brock Bowers here.
While tight ends taken in the top 10 have historically been disappointing, Bowers isn't an ordinary tight end. His abilities before and after the catch, along with his freakish athleticism and size, make him more of a chess piece than a traditional tight end. That kind of player can give opposing defenses nightmares, especially if Tampa Bay ends up holding onto veteran wideout Mike Evans in 2024 and beyond.
11. Las Vegas Raiders
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Regardless of what direction the Las Vegas Raiders go this offseason at quarterback and head coach, the team needs to keep loading up on defense. Maxx Crosby is in the conversation as Defensive Player of the Year, but the Raiders needs more impact playmakers in their secondary.
Length, size, and sticky coverage abilities make Kool-Aid McKinstry the top cornerback in this year's draft class. His potential as a No. 1 cornerback at the NFL level makes him an intriguing fit for a Raiders defense without a true impact player currently in their secondary.
12. Los Angeles Chargers
Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
Justin Herbert can't catch a break, and the Los Angeles Chargers desperately need to get their next head coach right in order to turn such a talented team back into a contender. Regardless of who the next head coach is, the Chargers will need to be more dominant in the trenches to be a serious playoff contender.
Jer'Zhan Newton is a terrifying defensive line prospect in this draft class. While he's not the biggest DL at 295 pounds, his combination of strength and quickness allows him to put blockers in the torture chamber when trying to contain him. His game-wrecking ability despite playing for a smaller Big Ten program highlights just how dominant of a player he could become at the next level.
13. Buffalo Bills
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Stefon Diggs can only do so much for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. While rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid is also emerging as a legitimate weapon, another playmaker could take Buffalo's offense to the next level in 2024 as they try to extend their Super Bowl contending window.
If Rome Odunze falls this far, it could end up being the biggest steal of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Huskies wideout has been an absolute weapon this season, catching 81 passes for 1,428 yards and 13 touchdowns. Along with excellent contested-catch ability, Odunze is also difficult to bring down after the catch, and isn't afraid to lower his pads through tackle attempts to pick up extra yards. His ability to also run clean routes and create some separation at 6'3" and 215 pounds separates him from some of the other jump-ball specialists in this year's draft class.
14. Denver Broncos
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Since trading away Bradley Chubb, the Denver Broncos lacked a true three-down edge rusher. Nik Bonitto currently leads the team in sacks, but at a generous 240 pounds he doesn't have the size to be an every-down outside linebacker.
Jared Verse would be an ideal fit for the Broncos. He's had 18 sacks in two seasons with the Seminoles since transferring from Albany, but also does a very good job of launching into blockers and holding the point of attack against the run. That kind of three-down ability would make him a much-needed anchor and pass-rusher on Denver's defense.
15. Seattle Seahawks
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Seattle Seahawks are starting to get something out of 2022 second-round pick Boye Mafe, but even still, this is a team that should continue loading up on pass rushers, even if some fans might be ready for the next quarterback after Geno Smith.
Dallas Turner has emerged as one of the top EDGE prospects in this class thanks to his explosiveness, wiggle, and sense of urgency against both the run and the pass. While he's a bit smaller than other prospects at 242 pounds, his former college teammate in Will Anderson Jr. is showing that size doesn't always prevent you from being a legitimate contributor at the NFL level.
16. Los Angeles Rams
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Although the Los Angeles Rams have plenty of other needs for a team currently in the playoff hunt, the potential to take the eventual successor to Matthew Stafford may be too hard to pass up for Les Snead and Sean McVay.
J.J. McCarthy seems like the perfect quarterback to slot into McVay's offensive scheme. Along with a solid arm, very good mobility, and strong pocket presence, McCarthy also has an excellent feel for hitting middle-of-the-field concepts with timing. That's the model quarterback for this kind of offense, and the opportunity to potentially learn from a established veteran like Stafford could be great for his long-term development.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Joe Burrow has dealt with long-term injuries throughout his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, and the franchise needs to continue dumping assets into their offensive line in order to keep protecting their superstar, especially with Jonah Williams set to hit free agency this offseason.
JC Latham is a massive human being at 6'6" and 335 pounds, and has spent the last two years as Alabama's full-time starter at right tackle. That would slot him in perfectly in Cincinnati to replace Williams on the right side of their line.
18. Arizona Cardinals (via Texans)
Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The good news for the Arizona Cardinals is that they don't need to draft prospects that can contribute to a contender immediately, so they can use their second pick in the first round on a player with ridiculous upside like Penn State's Chop Robinson.
Robinson is an extremely raw EDGE prospect, but at 6'3" and 250 pounds, the Penn State junior has ridiculous athleticism and first-step explosiveness that could make him one of the NFL's most fearsome pass rushers if he's able to continue developing his technique at the point of attack.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Pass rush could end up being the pick for Atlanta by the time the draft comes around, but with all of the top EDGE prospects already off of the board here, the Falcons could pivot and add to a strength by adding a versatile and thrilling defensive back to their loaded secondary.
Iowa's Cooper DeJean was the heart and soul of their team before suffering a season-ending leg injury. Assuming that he returns to full health next season, DeJean is an electric defensive back that can play all over the field with the ball skills and athleticism to create plays off of turnovers, or even in the return game.
20. Green Bay Packers
Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL)
Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Left tackle remains a big question mark for the Green Bay Packers with David Bakhtiari's future with the franchise up in the air. However, if the Packers aren't able to grab a top-tier tackle in the first round, general manager Brian Gutekunst could instead decide to address a safety position group that's currently being held together with duct tape.
Kamren Kinchens would be bring the kind of versatility at the safety position the Packers need from a draft prospect. He's a fluid mover and does a great job of jumping in front of passes when quarterbacks stare down their receivers, but also has the explosiveness and and instincts to trigger downhill against the run with good strength and physicality. That's exactly the kind of impact player the Packers could use in the back of their defense.
21. Minnesota Vikings
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Kirk Cousins may be done in Minnesota after suffering a torn achilles on the final year of his contract with the Vikings. However, even if Cousins does return to Minnesota, the team will need to think about finding a legitimate long-term replacement under center not named Josh Dobbs.
With Williams, Maye, Daniels, and McCarthy all already off the board, Bo Nix is the next best option available. An athletic quarterback with a strong arm, Nix still has his issues at times, but the veteran college quarterback has developed and refined his game immensely while with the Oregon Ducks. His upside isn't as high as some of the other QB prospects, but he still has plenty of talent and experience to make him a worthwhile late first-round pick for a QB-needy team like the Vikings.
22. Indianapolis Colts
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
New head coach Shane Steichen has done an outstanding job leading the Indianapolis Colts to playoff contention despite the loss of first-round quarterback Anthony Richardson. Despite all of the team's success, particularly on defense, finding more help in the secondary should be a top priority for the Colts this offseason.
Nate Wiggins is a 6'2" cornerback prospect with excellent length and movement skills, but what's probably his best trait is his patience despite having such explosive ability. He still has some things to work on, particularly in coverage on deep balls, but his measurables and instincts are what make him such an exciting long-term prospect in the 2024 draft.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
There are so many other positions that the Pittsburgh Steelers could attack in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, with the injuries and struggles of current starting QB Kenny Pickett, it might already be time to pull the plug and try to find a new long-term quarterback, especially if the next offensive coordinator wants to move on.
Michael Penix Jr. is easily the most fascinating QB prospect in this class. While he has been absurdly the past two seasons and has made some incredible throws with excellent accuracy in the deep and intermediate passing game, Penix will also be 24 years old as a rookie with extensive injury history from his time at Indiana. The left-handed QB will be a fascinating evaluation for NFL scouts around the country, but an offensive coordinator that loves the vertical passing game will fall in love with the idea of Penix throwing deep shots to George Pickens.
24. Houston Texans (via Browns)
Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Will Anderson Jr. is really coming into his own in DeMeco Ryans' defensive scheme. However, the Texans could still use some more impact players up front, and Bralen Trice might be the perfect complimentary EDGE player to Anderson for years to come.
Trice isn't a twitched-up, explosive pass rusher like some of the other prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, 274-pound junior is a tremendous player at the point of attack, and can be an asset both against the run and getting after the quarterback. That kind of presence in Houston's 4-3 defensive scheme could help free up Anderson to do more of what he does best as a backfield penetrator.
25. Kansas City Chiefs
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The Kansas City Chiefs are going to be in the market for a wide receiver, even with the emergence of rookie Rashee Rice. A jump-ball specialist like Keon Coleman could be appealing here, but Patrick Mahomes would be better off throwing to a player more capable of creating separation and taking the top off of opposing defenses, which is something that they've sorely lacked this season.
Adonai Mitchell has burst onto the scene with Texas, racking up 813 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 51 catches this season. The 6'4", 196-pound wideout has the long strides and explosiveness to be a consistent vertical threat, and is also extremely comfortable tracking the deep ball to get underneath is and haul the pass in with ease. He doesn't shy away from contact in press coverage, and it feels like he's just scratching the surface of what he's capable of as a receiver.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Jacksonville Jaguars could use a couple of upgrades on their offensive line, but the team also lacks a "screw it, this guy is down there somewhere" kind of wide receiver despite having weapons like Calvin Ridley, Evan Engram, and Christian Kirk. Taking an impact wide receiver like that would open things up for the rest of Jacksonville's playmakers, while they can try to address their offensive line later in the draft or in free agency.
Coleman might be the best contested-catch receiver in this draft, coming away with some catches and touchdowns that it seemed like he had no chance at reeling in based off the blanket coverage he was facing this season. He isn't the best separator, but his 6'4", and 215-pound frame can make him such a brutal mismatch when going against smaller defensive backs.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
What do you get someone for Christmas when they have everything? That's what it feels like when trying to figure out who to mock to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round. From a long-term perspective, however, more starting-caliber versatile offensive lineman are never a bad thing.
Troy Fautanu has primarily played left tackle at Washington, but at 6'4" and 317 pounds, he may be best served kicking inside. Regardless, that kind of positional versatility would make him a solid pick for the Cowboys late in the first roudn.
28. Detroit Lions
Kalen King, CB, Penn State
For as dominant as the Detroit Lions have been this year, their defense still has a lot of work to do. Brian Branch has shown a lot of promise as a rookie, but the secondary could use even more young playmakers for long-term success.
Kalen King looked potentially like CB1 earlier this year, but that doesn't mean he's still not a first-round-caliber player despite having an off year. The 5'11", 191-pound corner would be an ideal fit on the outside for Detroit's secondary.
29. San Francisco 49ers
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Trent Williams is going to retire at some point, and the San Francisco 49ers need to have a succession plan on place at offensive tackle.
Amarius Mims has struggled to stay on the field this year, but he has enormous potential at 6'7" and 340 pounds. Having a mentor like Williams could have Mims develop into a long-term offensive tackle for the 49ers.
30. Baltimore Ravens
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
Zay Flowers has emerged as a legitimate weapon but Lamar Jackson, but loading up on weapons will make things even easier for the Baltimore Ravens, especially if Odell Beckham Jr. isn't expected to be there for the long haul.
Xavier Legette is one of the most entertaining wideouts in this year's draft class. At 6'3" and 227 pounds, Legette has outrageous athleticism and playmaking ability that matches well with a smaller wideout in Flowers.
31. Miami Dolphins
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
The Miami Dolphins would be wise to keep loading up on defensive talent to keep up with their electric, high-flying offense. DeShon Elliott and Brandon Jones are both scheduled to be free agents this offseason, so safety help could be at the top of their list of needs.
Unlike last year, the 2024 draft class features some legitimate top-tier safety talent beyond just a player like Branch. Tyler Nubin has been playing on a struggling Minnesota team, but it has been almost impossible for quarterbacks to throw at him in coverage. If he can have a strong pre-draft process, there's a real chance that Nubin could be the first safety off the board.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Philadelphia Eagles have some lost key defensive backs over the past couple of seasons, making cornerback a top need for a potential Super Bowl contender.
Terrion Arnold may not be Kool-Aid McKinstry, but he's still stood out on film as a potential first-round cornerback prospect. His physicality and competitive toughness make him such an intriguing prospect, and one that Philadelphia fans would quickly fall in love with.
