The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the rumor mill is firing up throughout social media. With several teams looking for upgrades, it will be interesting to see how each franchise approaches this year’s draft. Most notably, the quarterback position will be something to watch with potentially six signal callers being taken on Day 1. Let’s dive into how we think Round 1 of this year’s draft will play out.
1. Chicago Bears (from CAR): QB Caleb Williams (USC)
Chicago has had plenty of time to ponder this selection. After a disastrous season from the Panthers, the Bears hold the No. 1 pick following the Bryce Young trade. The Bears moved on from Justin Fields in the offseason, assuring that a QB will be the selection at No. 1. Barring any unforeseen turn of events, it’s all but certain that Caleb Williams will be the first pick in the draft.
The USC hurler is an immensely talented gunslinger who can make all the throws. There could be an adjustment period making the jump to the NFL. Williams tended to freestyle often at USC, which got him into trouble the last two years as he sustained 63 sacks as a Trojan. However, his playmaking ability is something a coach can’t teach. He’ll be joining an offense ready to compete following the acquisition of longtime Charger wideout Keenan Allen.
2. Washington Commanders: QB Drake Maye (North Carolina)
Heading into the college football season, Maye was the clear-cut No. 2 QB behind Caleb Williams. After an up-and-down final year at North Carolina, some have questioned Maye’s long-term fit in the NFL. His accuracy was shaky, and he often times held onto the football too long. That being said, Maye is a tremendous athlete with the tools to become a franchise quarterback.
Washington has plenty of needs, and quarterback is atop that list. With their pick between any of the remaining QB options after Chicago makes their selection, we believe the Commanders go with either Maye or Jayden Daniels. Maye’s strong physical makeup — 6-foot-4, 230 pounds — and arm talent make him the pick here.
3. New England Patriots: QB Jayden Daniels (LSU)
The Arizona State transfer took college football by storm in 2023. Under the guidance of Brian Kelly, Daniels exploded. The Southern California native demonstrated improved refinement in his ability to deliver the ball downfield. His dual-threat skills were also on full display — as Daniels ran for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns (8.5 yards per carry). Daniels also took care of the ball, evidenced by throwing for 40 TDs to only 4 INTs.
With so many teams needing a quarterback, it’s easy to envision the Patriots fielding a ton of calls for this pick. Teams will be interested in potentially moving up to the No. 3 slot to select a player of Daniels’ ilk. And, trading down could benefit a Patriots team that needs to address a number of gaps on its roster. However, New England hasn’t picked this high in ages. They can’t pass the chance to draft their next franchise quarterback.
4. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)
Arizona is another team that has several holes across its roster. The defense needs a complete overhaul, and the offense doesn’t have any game-changers around QB Kyler Murray. Trading down is certainly an option. Accruing a bundle of picks would allow the Cardinals to revamp its depth chart while adding young talent.
However, there has to be a point where the Cardinals begin adding high-end prospects. It doesn’t get much better than Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. The son of a Hall of Fame WR, Harrison Jr. is the total package. He can lineup all over the field, can win versus any type of defense, and has some of the surest hands in the entire class. Arizona gets Murray a big-time target with the No. 4 pick.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame)
Keep your future QB upright. We’ve often seen once-promising quarterbacks with careers ending prematurely due to constantly taking hits. As such, Alt could be a very good selection. His dad was a former first-round pick/multi-time Pro Bowler with the Chiefs. At 6-foot-8 and north of 320 pounds himself, Alt is a much better athlete than would be assumed.
With Jim Harbaugh coming in, you know the ground game will be emphasized. He prided himself on building from the inside out at Stanford, Michigan, and with the 49ers. Alt is the best all-around offensive lineman in this draft, and as such, will be a good fit schematically with the Chargers.
6. New York Giants: WR Malik Nabers (LSU)
New York is dying for a No. 1 receiver. Fortunately for the G-Men, there should be a couple of nice options for them here at No. 6. Between Brock Bowers, Rome Odunze, and Nabers, they really can’t go wrong. We’ll opt for Nabers, a guy whose stock has been consistently rising since the regular season ended. He was a dominant force within the best conference in football this past year. New York had success with one recent receiver from LSU…why not go 2-for-2?
7. Tennessee Titans: OL Olu Fashanu (Penn State)
Fashanu is a fantastic athlete — laterally quick and fiercely competitive on the edge. His gigantic wingspan gives him a real chance to become a lockdown left tackle. Teams are salivating over his ability to play until he hears the whistle. Fashanu’s motor is not a question at the very least.
His kick-out in pass protection is quite good. The strength generated from his lower body enables Fashanu to disengage with defenders via a powerful initial punch. The athletic ability here is very good (especially when moving in space). Tennessee badly needs offensive line help, and Fashanu is the best tackle left on the board here.
8. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Dallas Turner (Alabama)
It would probably behoove Atlanta to move on from taking skill position players in the top 10. Grabbing the best pass rusher in the draft seems like the prudent thing to do. Dallas Turner is a versatile athlete with the ability to play standing up, but also with his hand in the dirt. Turner finished the regular season with 8.0 sacks and 12.5 tackles-for-loss (both career highs). In the process, he was named as a Bednarik Award finalist (given to the nation’s best defender).
9. Chicago Bears: WR Rome Odunze (Washington)
The arrival of Odunze would take a lot of pressure off Caleb Williams. Odunze has been elite this year — hauling in 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 TDs. His route-running ability is exquisite, and size-wise (6’3″, 215 pounds) he’d offer a nice alternative to what the Bears already have at the position. Assuming he’s as good as many think, it would then in theory free up DJ Moore and Keenan Allen to see more single-coverage looks. From a size and route-running standpoint, Odunze is eerily similar to a taller Reggie Wayne.
10. New York Jets: OT Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State)
The Jets struck a deal with free-agent tackle Tyron Smith. However, the 33-year-old is hardly reliable given his checkered injury history. As a result, Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State is a perfect fit in New York. For one, Fuaga is a road-grader. He stonewalls rushers at the point of attack by latching on with a pair of gigantically powerful mitts. Fuaga is also a technically sound player, which speaks to the development program in Corvallis which is widely respected by NFL franchises.
11. Minnesota Vikings: QB J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)
Kevin O’Connell will get his quarterback of the future here. McCarthy is an accurate thrower of the football with decent athleticism. He’ll also come to Minnesota as a polished signal-caller having played in a pro-style system under former NFL player/coach Jim Harbaugh. This seems like a slam-dunk selection for a Vikings team that desperately needs a franchise quarterback in place. McCarthy turned 21 in January, and is a couple of years younger than the other options on the board. Minnesota doesn’t pass up this opportunity, and could even trade up to secure a QB.
12. Denver Broncos: DL Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
Could the Broncos have secured their QB of the future in Zach Wilson? A trade Monday sent the former No. 2 overall pick to Denver for a late draft-pick swap. Wilson has impressive arm strength and athleticism, and perhaps Sean Payton saw something in the young QB that he could tap into. He’ll likely have a chance to start at QB for Denver in 2024. The addition of Wilson doesn’t disqualify Denver from the QB discussion in the draft, but it certainly leads us to believe Payton isn’t overly enthused with his potential options at No. 12.
Looking elsewhere across the roster, pass rusher is a pressing need. For two straight years, Laiatu Latu was a dominant player within the Pac-12. A very athletic guy, he plays with terrific bend and short-area quickness. The former rugby player is also tough as nails, something that shines whenever he plays. He did have neck fusion surgery earlier in his career which could make some teams pause. However, assuming the physicals check out, you’re looking at a double-digit sacks guy right away.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Bo Nix (Oregon)
The Raiders are in desperate need of a franchise QB. A player with tons of experience at the collegiate level, Nix can come in right away and start. He’s supremely accurate and is also a plus athlete. Imagine Mitch Trubisky with real accuracy, and you’ve likely got a top-15 QB in the NFL already. He’s coming off an absurd season in Eugene. The veteran signal-caller has a 45:3 TD-to-INT ratio along with a 77.4 completion percentage. Nix might end up being a real steal when it’s all said and done.
14. New Orleans Saints: DB Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo)
The Saints could go any number of directions here. This is an aging team that could be facing a massive rebuild in the coming seasons. For now, it seems like the Saints are trying to contend in a wide-open NFC South. We can narrow it down to three obvious needs across this roster: CB, OT, and edge rusher. Between those positions, the best available player is likely Toledo defensive back Quinyon Mitchell.
Mitchell had a dominant performance at this year’s NFL Combine. Among all corners, Mitchell ran the second-fastest 40 (4.33) and had the most bench press reps (20). Plus, his play on the field backs up those numbers. Mitchell flies around the field with effortless agility, recording 37 pass breakups over the last two seasons.
15. Indianapolis Colts: TE Brock Bowers (Georgia)
When you dominate the SEC as a true freshman and then again as a true sophomore, you’re doing something right. Hailing from Napa of all places, Georgia’s tight end/H-Back is a walking mismatch. The physicality Bowers plays with is simply too much for corners and safeties. When linebackers try to check him, Bowers utilizes route-running skills, quickness, and an ability to garner separation when making big play after big play.
Oh — and the toughness Bowers plays with is further amplified by having a terrific set of hands. The Colts would love nabbing him here, where Bowers can be employed in several different ways. Line him up in the slot, in the backfield, or even in the perimeter… the man can do it all. He’d be another excellent target and foundational piece for Indianapolis (and specifically Anthony Richardson).
16. Seattle Seahawks: DL Jared Verse (Florida State)
Verse falling to the Seahawks would be a fortuitous turn of events. We know new head coach Mike Macdonald loves his defensive players, and Verse is a guy with a great first step off the edge. He’s developed into one of the best defensive linemen in the ACC since transferring in from Albany. In two years in Tallahassee, Verse thus far has racked up a combined 26.5 tackles-for-loss and 16.0 sacks. Pass rushers are at a premium, especially in a conference including Matt Stafford, Brock Purdy, Kyler Murray, and others.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: DB Terrion Arnold (Alabama)
Yet another Alabama defender. This time, a defensive back in the form of the uber-physical Terrion Arnold As we’ve seen over the years, corners that are willing to mix it up in the run game are at a premium. Jacksonville needs help in its secondary and would do well to nab an SEC-tested high-level defender here. Arnold has been drawing rave reviews throughout the combine period, and many are impressed with him in the areas of energy and effort.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: OL Amarius Mims (Georgia)
Mims is a mauler. He engulfs defensive linemen with a massive frame, quick feet, and powerful hands. He looks like a prototype NFL lineman ready to step in right away and help Cincinnati win. More than anything, the stud right tackle will be put into a position to help protect Cincinnati’s most valuable asset, QB Joe Burrow. With Burrow racking up some injuries over the last few years, the Bengals need to do a better job of protecting him at all costs. It also helps that Mims hails from such a terrific college program.
19. Los Angeles Rams: QB Michael Penix Jr. (Washington)
The Rams certainly have a few glaring holes to fill, but they could be staring at a golden opportunity in Round 1. Matthew Stafford is 36 years old and isn’t getting any younger. Selecting a QB in the first round might be the savviest move the Rams could make. First-round picks can have an additional year added to their contract (fifth-year option). Penix Jr. would be able to learn under Stafford in Year 1, and the team will be able to get a good, long look at their young QB after Stafford eventually calls it quits.
The Washington hurler would be a seamless fit on this Rams offense. While there are some concerns over injuries and age, he’s proven consistently to be excellent in stretching the field vertically. Penix seems to always have the right amount of loft and touch on his throws. He would put up monster numbers tossing the rock to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: DB Nate Wiggins (Clemson)
A player bursting with natural ability, Wiggins is quite good at flipping his hips and turning in coverage without losing much momentum. Pittsburgh would love to add to its trove of young, talented defenders. Locking down another corner spot with Wiggins gives the Steelers some much-needed playmaking on the back end — something essential when going up against the likes of Mahomes, Burrow, Jackson, Lawrence, Watson, Stroud, Richardson, Herbert, and others in the vaunted AFC.
21. Miami Dolphins: DL Chop Robinson (Penn State)
Miami could certainly use some defensive help. Robinson is a quick-twitch edge rusher. Playing at Penn State, he followed in the footsteps of many elite defensive linemen before him. There’s a polish to Robinson’s game which should enable him to contribute from the jump. Plus — having a defensive lineman with the name ‘Chop’ sounds like a good idea. With Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb recovering from significant injuries, Miami needs help rushing the passer.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: DT Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois)
Newton isn’t a run-stuffing type of defensive tackle. He weighs approximately 290-295 pounds, which would put him on the smaller size of things comparatively speaking. With that said, he more than makes up for it as a quick, disruptive force. His motor simply does not stop. Newton is a beast against the pass, where he can unleash strong technique involving hand placement and leverage. For quite a while, the Bengals had a defensive tackle demonstrating many of these traits…
….his name was Geno Atkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings (from CLE): DL Byron Murphy (Texas)
Murphy II emerged this year as a first-time starter for the Longhorns. The junior isn’t the biggest defensive tackle in the world. With that said, he’s terrific at the point of attack and often uses his quickness to get into the backfield. His disruptive nature also comes from excelling with his leverage versus offensive guards. Murphy II could be a fast riser based on how he tests. If you’re looking for an NFL comparison, think former Tennessee Pro Bowler Jurrell Casey.
24. Dallas Cowboys: OT Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma)
With longtime stalwart Tyron Smith gone, selecting his replacement in the first round seems like the prudent thing to do. Guyton is a massive athlete and one with some truly impressive physical tools. He’s the type of guy that seems to be a total Dallas pick. Aside from the obvious links to Oklahoma, Guyton still hasn’t tapped into the best football of his career yet. With some further development, you could be looking at a future multi-time Pro Bowler.
25. Green Bay Packers: OL J.C. Latham (Alabama)
The Packers are another team looking to replace a franchise stalwart at tackle. The team parted ways with five-time All-Pro David Bakhtiari this offseason after a few injury-plagued seasons. Given the overall talent of this roster, Green Bay has the luxury of selecting Bakhtiari’s replacement with this pick. Latham is one of the better tackles in the draft. He’s a monster in the run game and has some tremendous athleticism for a guy his size. Additionally, he’s more than battle-tested having gone up against Dallas Turner every day in practice, as well as the other elite edge rushers found in SEC country.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)
Kool-Aid McKinstry has terrific size for the position at 6-foot-1 and nearly 190 pounds. He can flip his hips with the best of them when backtracking in coverage and has proven to demonstrate some very solid ball skills. Deep-field speed also isn’t a problem — particularly when McKinstry breaks on throws to the perimeter. We’d have to say he’s also quite proficient whether in a zone look or pressing at the line of scrimmage. Defensive-minded Head Coach Todd Bowles will love having the ability to coach this elite athlete.
27. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU): DB Cooper DeJean (Iowa)
Arizona needs playmakers in its defense — plain and simple. DeJean would fit the bill tremendously well here. He was the heart and soul of Iowa’s defense for multiple seasons. Considered among the best defensive backs in the country, DeJean is not only heady and intelligent but a very good athlete. He can play virtually anywhere in the secondary. Due to the supreme coaching he enjoyed under Kirk Ferentz, DeJean’s ability to diagnose plays is quite advanced for a player of his age. He’d be a Day 1 starter for Arizona without question.
28. Buffalo Bills: WR Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU)
The Bills need to add to their receiving corps with the departure of Stefon Diggs. In the process, you’d be keeping Josh Allen happy at the same time. Thomas Jr. was a terrific second option to Malik Nabers and has some real game-breaking ability that Allen could tap into. The 6’4″ receiver hauled in 60 passes for 1,079 yards and 15 touchdowns during the regular season for the Bayou Bengals.
29. Detroit Lions: DL Maason Smith (LSU)
Call this a luxury pick. Detroit’s roster is chock-full of young players playing for eventual second contracts and extensions. After one of his best seasons to date, Jared Goff seems to be etched in as the team’s starter for the foreseeable future. Detroit is stacked at the skill positions and across the offensive line but could use a bit more depth on the defensive side of the ball. LSU’s Smith boasts a ton of upside. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Smith could end up being a massive disruptor as a pass rusher or as a run stopper. Adding him to the defensive line rotation would give the Lions yet another athletic body to throw at opponents.
30. Baltimore Ravens: OT Graham Barton (Duke)
At this stage in the draft, Barton would be the best offensive lineman on the board. He was a three-year starter for Duke. A smart and savvy player, he has the versatility to toggle between both tackle and center. Barton is known for playing with great leverage, and thus he is very good in the run game. Baltimore would do well to get younger along its offensive line. Barton — reportedly a tremendous leader with high character — would be a great value pick at this spot.
31. San Francisco 49ers: OT Troy Fautanu (Washington)
The tackle from Washington is a perfect fit in San Francisco. For one, Fautanu has tremendous feet. Throughout the Pac-12 season and even against competitors in the College Football Playoff, Fautanu graded out immensely well. He’s impressive when moving laterally, and there’s a lower body strength which coincides with being excellent both in the run game and in pass protection. San Francisco doesn’t have a lot of holes. However, if we’re nitpicking a bit, getting another young tackle with upside should be addressed.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Adonai Mitchell (Texas)
We could look back at this selection the way we now do with Justin Jefferson in his draft. There were other receivers taken before him, yet we now ponder as to why that was the case. Texas’ Adonai Mitchell has all the tools to be an elite wideout. At 6-foot-4, Mitchell ran a 4.34 at the NFL Combine. His catch radius is as impressive as any player in the class. Adding a player of his skill set to an offense led by Patrick Mahomes and engineered by Andy Reid could produce devastating results.