We are officially less than a month away from the 2024 NFL Draft and we’ve seen a star-studded class go through testing and interviews. The reviews are in and many scouts are saying this is one of the stronger classes in the past decade at key positions. Here are my predictions for Round 1 of the NFL Draft.
Round 1
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Bears are all but certain to go the QB route with their first of 2 first-round picks. Trading Justin Fields to the Steelers for pennies on the dollar solidified that the Bears will have a rookie QB under center to start the 2024 season. Williams is not only the best QB in this draft class but arguably one of the better QB prospects in the past decade. The Bears have a young, talented roster with immense draft capital and cap space to build around Williams. Expect a CJ Stroud-like rookie campaign from the young signal caller.
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Commanders cleaned house this offseason with new ownership, front office and coaching staff hoping to right the ship after years of mediocracy. Last year's starting QB Sam Howell struggled and was promptly shipped off to Seattle. With a glaring hole at QB, Daniels seems tailor-made to fit into new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s up-tempo Air Raid offense. Caleb Williams is the clear QB1 in this class but the real intrigue starts with this pick as the Commanders could go one of three ways at QB however Daniels is best fit for this pick.
Drake Maye, QB, UNC
The run at QB continues. As the Patriots look to move on from the Bill Belichick era, it is vital that they get their QB of the future. Drake Maye fits the bill of a prototypical NFL QB standing 6’4” with a cannon for an arm. Maye is raw and could take some time to develop but the Patriots signed underrated veteran QB Jacoby Brissett who Maye can learn behind and take his time working onto the field.
Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State
Trading out of this pick remains a high possibility for the Cardinals but for the sake of this article we’ll keep the pick where it is. The Cardinals seem committed to QB Kyler Murray long term so the run on QB’s stops at #4. Marvin Harrison Jr has earned rave reviews from scouts ever since his freshman year at Ohio State learning behind future NFL WRs Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. Harrison Jr has a good chance to be the best WR in a line of great Ohio State WRs. With an NFL pedigree learning from his dad (one of the best of all-time) coupled with insane physical traits, Harrison Jr will be expected to make an early impact for a Cardinals offense that lacks talent around Kyler Murray.
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Let the Harbaugh era begin. After taking the Chargers head coaching job earlier this offseason, Harbaugh and his front office have cleaned house. Gone are many of the high priced veterans including starting WR’s Mike Williams and Keenan Allen as well as RB Austin Ekeler. This leaves a gaping hole at the skill positions needed to further QB Justin Herbert’s development. Look for Harbaugh to immediately bolster the WR room with another first round selection to pair with last years’ first round pick, Quentin Johnston. Rome Odunze is your prototypical X WR who brings a tantalizing combination of speed and size to the table. The junior wideout is coming off of a season with 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Huskies.
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Giants offense was abysmal last year, ranking 29th in offensive points, as they struggled through a litany of injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Owner John Mara signaled earlier in the offseason that if the right QB is available at their pick, the front office has his blessing to make that move. The lack of confidence in QB Daniel Jones is apparent however with the top end QB’s off the board at this point, look for the Giants to pivot and take Nabers who some consider to be WR1 in this strong class of WR’s.
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
This pick is the perfect marriage of filling a need and taking the best available player on the board. Joe Alt dominated as a 3 year starter on the left side of the line for the Fighting Irish. Alt started 33 games in his career while only giving up 6 sacks, including only 2 sacks in last two years. The Titans have a gaping hole on the left side of their line and gave up 64 sacks last year, good for 4th most in the NFL. Alt bring pro-ready size with great measurables to a team looking for a Day 1 starter.
Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama
Once viewed to be a team dead-set on drafting a QB, the Falcons filled that hole by signing veteran QB Kirk Cousins in free agency. With new head coach Raheem Morris brought aboard to solidify the weak Atlanta defense, look for Morris to bolster his defensive line that was 32nd in pass rush win rate (30.9%) last season. Dallas Turner learned behind budding superstar Will Anderson Jr for 2 years at Alabama. Last year as the leader of Alabama’s vaunted defense, Turner had a career high 10 sacks and 2 forced fumbles leading Alabama on an improbable run to the College Football Playoffs. The Falcons are looking to compete next season and Turner goes a long way shoring up a defensive line that needs to drastically improve.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Bears have the rare luxury of two top 10 picks in this years’ draft, thanks to the trade last year with the Panthers. Without many holes left to fill, the Bears have the opportunity to go best available player at this pick or explore options for trading down. In this mock, they go best available player taking all-Big 10 tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu to strengthen an offensive line that will be protecting a rookie QB. Fashuna is arguably the most athletic big man in this draft possessing incredible flexibility and bend in his pass sets. In many other draft classes, Fashanu would be a top 5 pick but that goes to speak on how strong this draft class is in high-end talent. The Bears will be thrilled to scoop Fashanu at #9 to develop him alongside Caleb Williams for a pairing the Bears hope lasts well into the next decade.
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
There is a multitude of routes the Jets could go with this pick. However, free agency was a key indicator of what the Jets are thinking going into the draft. The Jets shored up their offensive line and skill positions with veterans on 1 year deals as the Jets look to maximize Aaron Rodgers window. This leaves the team without many pressing needs besides the tight end position. Brock Bowers is one of my favorite players in this draft. It’s almost unfair to Bowers just to label him as a tight end. Georgia used him as running back, lead blocker for many big run plays, and also as their #1 receiving option. Since his first fall camp as a freshman with the Bulldogs, it was clear Bowers was head and shoulders a better athlete than most on a Georgia team that is chock-full of 5 star talent. Expect Bowers to be a Day 1 starter and a favorite target of Rodgers as the Jets look to make a playoff run next year.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The Vikings and McCarthy seem to be a match made in heaven. As the Vikings look to move on from Kirk Cousins, McCarthy seemingly is the perfect fit moving just up the road from Ann Arbor to Minneapolis. McCarthy’s calling card is his elite athleticism and his winning pedigree, going 27-1 as a starter in college. He’ll be stepping into a situation better than most rookie QB’s as he has an elite left tackle in Christian Darrisaw and he’ll be throwing to Justin Jefferson, currently the best WR in the NFL.
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Another team desperate for a QB, the Broncos are looking to move on from the disastrous Russell Wilson era. However, Sean Payton and Co. are behind the eight ball here at #12 with the four clear first round QB’s off the board. Reaching for QB Bo Nix seems to be the rumor on the street as Nix fits the bill of a Payton QB. One of the most experienced and accurate QB’s coming out of the college ranks, it’s hard not make Drew Brees type comparisons to the Oregon signal caller. Expect the Broncos to reach here but if there’s any coach in the NFL that can groom and support a young, accurate QB it’s Sean Payton.
Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU
Barring a trade or an unexpected QB slide, the Raiders seem out of luck this year to grab their QB of the future. With wily veteran QB Gardner Minshew on the roster, their need for QB probably isn’t as drastic as the other 5 teams ahead of the Raiders. The Raiders currently have WR Davante Adams on the roster but with rumors flying about regarding his unhappiness in Las Vegas, Adams is primed for a mid-season trade to a contender. Expect the Raiders to be proactive and select Adams’ replacement with pick #13. Brian Thomas Jr out of LSU is the take the top off burner that Al Davis loved back in the day. Thomas’ vertical speed and large catch radius is exactly what the Raiders need opposite of Adams in the short term and eventually to be WR1 in Las Vegas.
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Saints invested a first round pick into tackle Trevor Penning back in 2022 and its safe to say the return is not what the Saints expected. Penning has barely seen the field and when he has gotten out there, he has been outmatched. Safe to say that experiment is over in New Orleans. Enter Taliese Fuaga, a monster 6’6” 335 pound road grader that fits the style of offense the Saints look to play. Fuaga has surprising agility for his size and could make the move from right tackle to left at the NFL level.
Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Murphy is a budding superstar in the Aaron Donald mold who might end up making GM Chris Ballard look like a genius in 5 years. Turn on the Alabama/Texas tape from last season and you’ll see Murphy wreaking havoc against one of the best teams in college football. His unique blend of power and speed is unmatched in this draft class. Murphy will be a Day 1 starter wherever he goes but in Indianpolis he’ll slot next to all-Pro DeForest Buckner and have a great opportunity to learn from him.
Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The hometown kid looks to make the 5 mile journey up the road from the University of Washington to the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahwaks have gaping holes all over the line losing 3 offensive line starters to free agency in Damien Lewis, Evan Brown and Phil Haynes. However, sometimes addition by subtraction is the play to make as the Seahawks were a run of the mill team up front. Fautanu looks to make an immediate Day 1 impact slotting into one of the guard positions. He’ll have a veteran QB in Geno Smith to aid in his development and life is easier up front for lineman when you have a top 5 back in the league behind you.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The Jaguars led by GM Trent Baalke love prospects with elite traits and bank on coach Doug Petersen to figure the rest out. The roster is littered with elite talents and at #17 look for Baalke to repeat the trend. Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo is an uber-athletic corner with eyes for the ball as shown by his 6 interceptions in the past two seasons. He’s fast and physical, running a 4.33 40 with 20 reps of 225 on the bench at the NFL Combine. The combo of Mitchell and Tyson Campbell could be a problem for AFC South teams for years to come.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Coming off of a disappointing season in which QB Joe Burrow and others went down with injuries, the Bengals look to retool and get back t playoff football. The Bengals are at the stage of team building in which the bill comes due. With Burrow already on the hook for a massive deal and WR Ja’Maar Chase not far behind, the Bengals neeed to start being proactive in filling holes that are soon to come with departing free agents. Part of the elite tandem at WR, Tee Higgins received the franchise tag this offseaosn guaranteeing only one more year in Cincinatti. Without the cap space to resign long-term, look for the Bengals to draft and develop his replacement in speedy Texas WR Adonai Mitchell. Mitchell is raw but possesses the elite traits needed to win at the NFL level.
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Rams will be looking for a new identity on defense with the retirement of Aaron Donald looming large this offseason. They have Donalds’ replacement in house already in breakout rookie Kobie Turner who expects to slide into the 3-technique spot. The Rams would be overjoyed if Terrion Arnold falls to them at #19. Coached up by the legendary Nick Saban, Arnold is a former 5-star recruit who Saban developed into an all-SEC lockdown corner. Arnold doesn’t have high-end measurables but he brings a feisty, competitive spirit and great technique to a Rams squad still looking to fill Jalen Ramsey’s spot at cornerback.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Another match seemingly made in heaven, the Steelers passed on offensive lineman in free agency and seemed primed to draft a lineman in the first round for the second consecutive draft. Powers-Johnson is a mauler at 328 pounds and brings leadership to a Steelers team looking to get over the mediocracy hump. He’s pro-ready from Day 1 and fits what the Steelers need going into the 2024 season with Russell Wilson under center.
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
There’s a multitude of routes the Dolphins could go with this pick. Salary cap concerns forced the Dolphins to let multiple starters walk via free agency and injuries from last season will carry over into this season for some starters (i.e. Jaelan Phillips). However this is a Dolphins squad that succeeds as their offensive goes and they’ll look to fill a hole in Alabama’s JC Latham. He’s a handful for power rushers at 343 pounds and with otherworldly strength he looks to anchor the interior of the Dolphins line. Latham spent his time at Alabama across the line with experience at guard as well as tackle the past two years. He projects to be a guard regardless of his pro destination but especially in Miami’s scheme that requires their lineman to be able to move to the second level, look for Latham to make the switch from Day 1 of his pro career to hid his mobility concerns.
Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa
Anyone that watched the Eagles late last season can tell you the problem with their defense. At times it was comical watching the Eagles try to tackle at the second and third level leading to big plays that ultimately was the teams downfall. They started the process of letting some of last years biggest liabilities walk via free agency but with holes to fill, Cooper Dejean appears to be the answer to Eagles’ fans prayers. DeJean is a great athlete and a smart football player always around the ball and making plays. He has the ability to play outside cornerback as well as in the box as a safety. Coming off of a broken leg it may take DeJean a little while to acclimate but if last years woes start to pop up again in Philadelphia, expect DeJean to enter the lineup and bring a physicality that is lacking on this defense.
Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
The second of the Vikings two first round picks this year, appears to line up perfectly for the Vikings to fill another hole on their roster. After letting longtime pass rusher Danielle Hunter walk via free agency to the Texans, Jared Verse seems to be a perfect plug and play pick for the Vikings. Verse was a project top 5 pick coming into the year and battled injuries and subpar play which impacted his draft stock. Despite last years performance, this is still the same player that brings an exuberance of experience and was the best defensive lineman in college football during the 2022 college season. What Verse lacks in talent he makes up for with high-effort and smart play. He projects to be a solid anchor for a team desperate for defensive lineman.
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
This is one of the more obvious picks and fits in the first round. The Cowboys let longtime stalwart tackle Tyron Smith walk this offseason and are hoping his replacement has a similarly long career for the Cowboys. Enter Amarius Mims. Mims is very much an unknown entering the draft having started a total of 8 games in his college career due to injuries. However the tape of those 8 games is something to marvel at. The former 5 star recruit has a unique blend of power and agility with a penchant for demolishing whoever lines up across from him. There hasn’t been a team over the past decade that has established consistent success on the offensive line quite like the Cowboys, so expect Mims’ development to be something to keep an eye on.
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
The Packers are in a very similar situation as the Cowboys, having let longtime left tackle anchor David Bakhtiari walk via free agency. The options aren’t as plentiful as teams ahead of this pick but the Packers will nevertheless look to fill a glaring hole protecting rising star QB Jordan Love. Guyton out of Oklahoma via TCU, has great size at 6’8” and 322 pounds. He struggled with the quicker pass rushers in the Big 12 last year so there are some flaws in his game.
Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
Latu put on a clinic the past two seasons at UCLA accumulating 23.5 sacks and 112 pressures. He has excellent technique and hand placement with a plethora of pass-rushing moves in his arsenal. Standing 6’5” at 259 pounds he fits the mold of what the Bucs are looking for at outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. Latu looks to pair with fellow first round selection Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to form a young, formidable pass-rushing pairing.
Graham Barton, C/G, Duke
After filling a hole at WR with their first selection, the Cardinals stay on the offensive side of the ball to upgrade at a position of weakness. Cardinals center Hjalte Froholdt is a journeyman who struggled to anchor a line that needs to protect QB Kyler Murray from injury. Barton looks to be that guy with experience across the line but he anchored the Duke offensive line that past 3 seasons as the starting center.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
After losing WR Gabe Davis to free agency and with Stefon Diggs seemingly always causing some sort of drama in Buffalo, the Bills will look to shore up their skill position. Xavier Worthy is a true speedster, burning many teams on returns and deep balls. His route tree is pretty limited but with Josh Allen throwing him deep balls, this seems to be a great fit for the Bills offense.
Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
The Lions are the example of an NFL sticking to their draft board and always taking the best available sometimes at the expense of a need. This pick is a great marriage of need and best available as Chop Robinson fills a need opposite of Aiden Hutchinson while also being the best on the board. Going into the year, Robinson was a projected top 10 pick and has slide over the year due to production issues (4 sacks in 2023). Robinson has an elite first step and speed (4.48 40 time) and will expose offensive lineman that can’t pass set quickly enough to get a hand on him.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
After taking Zay Flowers in the first round last year, the Ravens look to find a pairing for their WR1. Rashod Bateman has been a bust since his first round selection in 2021 and Odell Beckham Jr is a free agent. McConkey is a route-running savant with surprising 4.39 speed. He has dominated the pre-draft circuit, routinely exposing defenders in 1on1 routes and live game action. Think of a more athletic Hunter Renfrow. The Ravens hope to pair Flowers with McConkey to give Lamar Jackson all the weapons he needs to compete.
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Coming up just short in the Super Bowl, the 49ers are looking to retool and give QB Brock Purdy another weapon in the formidable Shanahan offense. Legette has been another fast-riser throughout the pre-draft process with impressive size, 6’1” and 220 pounds, coupled with elite speed (4.39 40 time). His bread and butter is making plays after the catch similar to another star receiver the 49ers have. With Brandon Aiyuk needing a new contract soon expect for Legette fill the hole and strengthen an already strong 49ers offense.
Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
The Chiefs can go a couple different routes depending on how the draft board shakes out. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the top WR’s fall that they would jump at the opportunity to give Patrick Mahomes another weapon. However as things stand in this mock draft, the first round WR’s are gone and it’s too soon to take a chance on the next tier of WR’s. Edgerrin Cooper is this draft’s best linebacker as a true three down backer that teams covet in the modern NFL style of play. Capable of stopping the run and covering with the best of them, Cooper fits as an immediate Day 1 starter for a Chiefs defense that was a suprisingly strong unit throughout last years’ Super Bowl run. Cooper has true sideline to sideline range and gives the Chiefs a weapon to be used against the high-powered offenses of the league.
