2024 NFL Mock Draft: The Motor City Hosts the Best QB Class in Years
These intros are getting tougher and tougher to do.
The NFL Draft has become the launching point for Super Bowl contenders. Four years ago, the Bengals had the worst record in football. Two years later, they were in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs have won back-to-back Lombardis after drafting Patrick Mahomes 10th overall in 2017. The Ravens have become contenders on the back of their first round picks, and the Eagles have been able to rebuild their defense thanks to their strong drafts.
However, the draft also has its risks. We're still waiting to see if the Carolina Panthers made the right call by trading up for Bryce Young, last year's first overall pick. This year, with a handful of quarterbacks available in the first round, could we see another team make that jump? It's very possible, although the cost could be quite high.
It's time to look through the college ranks once again, as I make my annual mock draft. As is par for the course with my mocks, I do not predict any trades over the course of the first round. It can be challenging enough to try to find the right fit for each player, so adding trades to this could change everything. With that said, it's time to head to Detroit, Michigan for the 2024 NFL Draft. Here's my mock draft for this year's class.
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina) - QB Caleb Williams (USC)
The Bears were able to acquire the top overall pick thanks to their savvy trade with the Panthers last year, and the presumed top draft pick for years will call the Windy City home. Caleb Williams has dazzled the college world, and a 30 touchdown, five interception season from the junior solidified his stock as not only the top overall pick, but potentially the best prospect the NFL world has seen in years. Sure, his numbers may not have been as flashy as his 42-touchdown campaign in 2022, but Williams has everything it takes to be a superstar. Plus, throwing to DJ Moore and Keenan Allen as a rookie certainly has its positives, to say the least.
2. Washington Commanders - QB Jayden Daniels (LSU)
Despite the Commanders being in a strong position to grab their quarterback of the future, I do not envy the position that new GM Adam Peters finds himself in. He has a crucial decision to make, and with both Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye on the board, I'm leaning towards Washington selecting the defending Heisman Trophy winner. Daniels came out of nowhere with a stellar season for LSU, tossing for the second-most touchdowns in all of FBS with 40. However, he can also work some magic with his legs, rushing for over 2,000 scrimmage yards and 22 trips to the end zone over the past two seasons. He heads to Washington D.C., where the rebuild starts under new head coach Dan Quinn.
3. New England Patriots - QB Drake Maye (North Carolina)
I like Drake Maye a lot. I know a lot of other teams like Drake Maye a lot. This could be one of the spots that a QB-needy squad trades up to, but I believe the Patriots are looking for their next franchise signal caller sooner rather than later. Maye wowed at North Carolina over the past two seasons, putting up a 24 touchdown campaign in 2023. While New England does need immediate help at receiver, they select Maye, who sits behind Jacoby Brissett for a few games before he gets the nod.
4. Arizona Cardinals - WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)
Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best wide receiver prospect we've seen in years, and he falls to a perfect spot for him to feast right away. The Buckeyes standout put up back-to-back seasons of 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, becoming one of the top names in all of college football. The Cardinals are lacking at wideout after losing both Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore. Harrison immediately becomes Kyler Murray's new top target in the desert as Arizona looks to expedite their rebuild.
5. Los Angeles Chargers - WR Malik Nabers (LSU)
The two most wideout-needy teams sit back to back in the top five, with the Chargers firmly in the pass-catcher mix too. Despite the fact that MHJ has risen to the top of the draft board, Nabers had a better 2023 season than his Ohio State counterpart. Aided by the fact he played with the aforementioned Daniels, the junior put up 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in a breakout campaign. In fact, his 14 trips to the end zone were double his combined 2021 and 2022 total. Nabers has the tough task of replacing both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
6. New York Giants - QB J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)
It seems like the New York Giants are trying to make a move to grab a quarterback in this draft. Will anyone jump them to grab the biggest riser in this year's group? That remains to be seen. In this situation, McCarthy is sitting at 6 and Big Blue pounces on the opportunity. Daniel Jones is still on his $40 million contract, and the Giants have to ponder their future after him. McCarthy won the National Championship at Michigan, tossing for 22 touchdowns, four interceptions, and a passer rating of 167.4. He'll need to throw the ball more in the pros, and while the Giants might not have the deepest receiving core for a rookie, they'll have plenty of cap space to grab one in 2025.
7. Tennessee Titans - OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame)
What a weird offseason it was for the Titans, eh? They were one of the biggest spenders in free agency, bringing in names such as Tony Pollard, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Calvin Ridley. They also acquired L'Jarius Sneed from the Chiefs, and paid him handsomely. New coach Brian Callahan wants Will Levis to succeed, and that means taking the top offensive lineman in the 2024 draft class. Alt was a standout at Notre Dame, and he dazzled at the combine with a 5.05 40-yard dash and 28" vertical jump. The 315-pound tackle will line up perfectly alongside fellow first round pick, Peter Skoronski.
8. Atlanta Falcons - EDGE Dallas Turner (Alabama)
Atlanta finally found their franchise quarterback in free agency, signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. Their offense is loaded with former first round picks, including Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. Now is the time to start adding to their already stout defense. Turner is an explosive edge rusher from Alabama, where he has 28 solo tackles to go along with 10 sacks. If the Falcons have any weaknesses on defense, it's their edge rushing group. Turner improves on that immediately.
9. Chicago Bears - EDGE Jared Verse (Florida State)
In these mock drafts, when it comes to teams with multiple first round picks, I tend to focus on both sides of the ball, and the Bears are no different. They could grab Rome Odunze, but with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen in the fold, wide receiver might not be their most pressing need. Verse had an incredible nine-sack season with the Seminoles to go along with 23 solo tackles. He lines up opposite Montez Sweat, solidifying Chicago's defensive line for years to come.
10. New York Jets - WR Rome Odunze (Washington)
Go. All. In. That should be the motto of the New York Jets as long as Aaron Rodgers is starting at quarterback. No one truly knows when the four-time MVP could truly hang up the cleats, and the Jets need to do everything they can during this window to ensure Super Bowl contention. The signing of Mike Williams was a nice start, but they need more. Odunze is the top wide receiver left on the board, and out of the top three receivers, Odunze finished with the highest number of receiving yards with 1,640. He'll gladly enjoy catching passes from Aaron Rodgers next season, and potentially more.
11. Minnesota Vikings - CB Terrion Arnold (Alabama)
12. Denver Broncos - QB Bo Nix (Oregon)
Denver is pulling the plug on the Russell Wilson experiment, and with Jarrett Stidham currently projected as their QB1, they need to grab a quarterback in the first round, whether by trading up into the top five or staying put at 12. Bo Nix is a fascinating option. He's the most experienced signal caller of the group, with five years at Oregon. He threw 45 touchdowns with just three interceptions in a stellar 2023 season. He set Alabama high school football records. However, there are still red flags, with his age being one of them. As an older prospect, could he be a fit in Broncos Country? Still to be determined. Nonetheless, QB is the top position of need for Denver, so they take the gunslinger at 12.
13. Las Vegas Raiders - CB Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo)
Oh look, a third team in a row that could make a move into the top five and nab one of the big-name quarterbacks. The Raiders are in a new era, led by head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco. While a field general could be on the table, the Raiders have said that the QB position runs through Aidan O'Connell. That shows faith in the sophomore from Purdue, and it tells me Las Vegas is looking elsewhere. Enter Quinyon Mitchell. He was one of the top cornerbacks at the combine, and was a first-team All MAC with 40 tackles in 13 games. With the Raiders looking for secondary help, Mitchell gets nabbed to help rebuild the defense.
14. New Orleans Saints - OT Olu Fashanu (Penn State)
It seems like New Orleans' first-round pick will come down to their lines, whether it be offensive or defensive. Cameron Jordan is not getting any younger, but the Saints need to give Alvin Kamara room to run. Fashanu, the 6'6" 312-pounder from Penn State, should slide in as a perfect fit as long as Trevor Penning is willing to make the move to guard. He'll line up on the left side, and it should make Derek Carr's second season in the Big Easy a little bit easier.
15. Indianapolis Colts - TE Brock Bowers (Georgia)
This just seems like a perfect fit, doesn't it? In three years at Georgia, Bowers was nothing short of a monster, racking up over 2,500 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns to go along with two National Championship victories. He was also a back-to-back John Mackey Award winner as the best tight end in college. The Colts would love another pass catcher for Anthony Richardson, and Bowers would pair nicely with the newly re-signed Michael Pittman Jr.
16. Seattle Seahawks - OT Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State)
I really struggled with Seattle in this year's mock. Despite just barely missing the playoffs, the Seahawks were quiet in free agency. They were able to lock up Leonard Williams long-term. I was tempted to bolster their defensive line, but instead, I gave Seattle the tackle from nearby Oregon State. Fuaga had a great 2024 season, and he can provide ample room for Walker and Charbonnet to run all over Lumen Field.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - CB Cooper DeJean (Iowa)
Cooper DeJean has a lot of upsides when it comes to his pro career. The Hawkeyes' cornerback had 26 solo tackles in 2023 and was a First-Team All American. He was a finalist for both the Jim Thorpe and Nagurski Awards, and nabbed two interceptions. However, he fractured his right fibula during a practice on November 15, and I hope his draft stock isn't hurt too much by it. One team that is looking for secondary help is the Jaguars. After a tough end to 2023, Jacksonville needs to have a strong season in a tough AFC South. They take DeJean, who replaces Ronald Darby as one of the starting corners.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - EDGE Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
I feel like this is the first time in years I haven't mocked an offensive lineman to Cincinnati, and I love it. The Bengals lost DJ Reader to free agency, and they will be looking for his replacement at some point in the draft. While Latu is not a pure defensive lineman like Reader is, he can take that Cincy defense to the next level. He had a stellar combine, with a 4.64 40-yard dash and a 32" vertical. Oh, and he also had 13 sacks last season. Latu, Hendrickson, and Wilson make a great midfield defense that could terrorize the AFC North.
19. Los Angeles Rams - DT Jer'Zhan Newton (Illinois)
I think the Rams really want Latu, but Newton will fit just as well. Aaron Donald was a franchise legend, and while his retirement was surprising, it has been rumored for several years. Les Snead was preparing for his departure, and the first round of the draft is the perfect spot to find a young replacement for him. Newton racked up 7.5 sacks in a stacked Big 10 conference, and he's a tad bit bigger than Donald was. I'm not saying he's going to be the next 99, but he'll be with a great coach in a scheme that is designed for him to succeed.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Adonai Mitchell (Texas)
When it comes to teams that have shuffled the deck in free agency, the Steelers are among the teams at the top. Despite making the playoffs, the Steelers shipped out Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett and brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. They also traded away Diontae Johnson, and are probably searching for his replacement. Mitchell seems like the better fit in the Steelers' offense than Brian Thomas Jr. He had a breakout season in 2023, with 11 touchdowns and 845 receiving yards. He becomes the WR2 behind George Pickens as Pittsburgh looks for four playoff appearances in the last five years.
21. Miami Dolphins - OT Troy Fautanu (Washington)
It's nice to see Miami making the 21st overall pick in the draft this year after losing it last year due to their tampering scandal. They need some help up front after losing Robert Hunt and potentially Connor Williams. This also doesn't factor in that Terron Armstead is 32 years old. Fautanu is a big body. He's 317 pounds and should be a perfect compliment to the Dolphins offense. Plus, he can move quickly off the ball. This is a big year for Tua, he's going to be looking for a big contract next winter and a little extra protection should only help that happen.
22. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)
Safe to say, it was a disappointing finish for the Birds. The Eagles started a remarkable 10-1, only to bottom out and lose six of their last seven. They did lose several pieces in the offseason, mainly Brandon Graham and Jason Kelce, but they were able to spend some money and bring in some reinforcements. There's still questions about the cornerback position, with James Bradberry and Darius Slay only getting older. This is where Kool-Aid McKinstry fits in. He registered 24 solo tackles and seven pass deflections for a stacked Crimson Tide defense. McKinstry doesn't have to play right away either, and he could slot in and out as needed his rookie year.
23. Minnesota Vikings (from Cleveland via Houston) - QB Michael Penix Jr. (Washington)
Interesting. It seems like Minnesota doesn't need to trade up into the top five to grab their quarterback after all. The Vikings grabbed this extra first round pick to stockpile for a trade-up, but it may benefit them in the long run. While Sam Darnold may be a stopgap option, Penix could be the next franchise quarterback for the purple and gold. He played six years in the NCAA, and he saved the best for last with a 4,903-yard, 36-touchdown season at Washington. He was a Heisman finalist as well. Penix doesn't have to start right away with the Vikings, but he'll have a solid arsenal when he takes the reign.
24. Dallas Cowboys - C Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon)
The Cowboys' "all-in" offseason was more bark than bite, and the only notable addition they made was adding linebacker Eric Kendricks. They have more questions than answers in the near future, specifically with Dak Prescott. He needs to have a statement-making year, and adding on the offensive line will certainly help that. Powers-Johnson is a center out of Oregon, and he brings some extra size up front. He slides into the vacancy left by Tyler Biadasz, as the Cowboys look to become the first repeat NFC East winners in 20 years.
25. Green Bay Packers - WR Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU)
It was a dream season for the Packers, not only surprising the league by making the playoffs, but upsetting the aforementioned Cowboys at Jerryworld. Jordan Love had a very promising first season as Green Bay's field general, so let's give him another wideout for him to throw to. Thomas' 2023 was a textbook breakout season, seeing his receiving total balloon from 361 to 1,177. He made 17 trips to the end zone, and should line up nicely alongside Christian Watson.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB Nate Wiggins (Clemson)
Much like the Packers, the Buccaneers surprised many in the NFC, winning the NFC South and defeating the Eagles at home. They're bringing a lot of the core back, with Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans re-upping with Tampa Bay. They reunited with Jordan Whitehead, but the cornerback position still needs some work. Wiggins is the best corner left on the board, with 22 solo tackles and two interceptions for the Tigers. He lines up alongside Jamel Dean as the Bucs look to take another step forward.
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston) - DT Byron Murphy II (Texas)
This would be a statement-making draft from Monti Ossenfort if he is able to pull this off. Not only would they be able to nab their franchise wide receiver, but a strong defensive tackle as well. Murphy was a beast at Texas, racking up five sacks on the year to go along with 13 solo tackles. He had three tackles in the CFP Semifinal against Michael Penix and Washington. He becomes the face of a young Arizona defense.
28. Buffalo Bills - WR Ladd McConkey (Georgia)
It has to be a wide receiver at 28 for Buffalo, right? The Bills are a team I could see moving up some spots to try and grab either Mitchell or Thomas, but they take McConkey at 28 instead. He only played in eight games for the Bulldogs, only eclipsing 100 yards in a game once in 2023. However, the upside is there. There's no true WR1 after Stefon Diggs was shipped to Houston, so the Bills may take the Chiefs approach and do a wideout by committee.
29. Detroit Lions - CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (Missouri)
29. Baltimore Ravens - WR Xavier Worthy (Texas)
I'm not as high on Xavier Worthy as some others are. When you look at the fastest 40-yard dashes by wideouts in combine history, many have failed to live up to expectations. Despite this, I have been dreaming of this matchup since I saw that incredible combine performance. Worthy did lead Texas in receiving yards and receptions, so maybe there's something there. Baltimore is looking for a speedy pass-catcher to help out Lamar Jackson, so why not go for the fastest receiver in the class?
31. San Francisco 49ers - OT JC Latham (Alabama)
Here's the thing about the offensive-line needy teams in this draft: many are looking for either a guard or a center, not as much tackles. Therefore, Latham continues to fall in my mock. The 342-pound lineman will be a boon for one of these teams in the bottom-five of the first round, and he falls to the Niners here. He lines up alongside Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, and others. The 49ers don't want a repeat of last year, falling just short of Super Bowl number six. It's a huge year in the Bay, with many contracts due up. Get Brandon Aiyuk signed and run it back.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Amarius Mims (Georgia)
The Chiefs are eyeing that three-peat, and while a receiver could certainly help the defending champs, it's not like they've needed one before. Instead, they decide to beef up their offensive line by picking the former National Champion, Amarius Mims. He does have a small sample size, as he only started eight games during his college career. Therefore, he falls to the perfect place. The Chiefs have one of the NFL's best rosters, so he might not need to play right away. Plus, there could be a far worse situation to be in than learning under Andy Reid.
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