The NFL Draft is less than a month away, but there’s no such thing as too early to start speculating where players will end up. With three elite quarterbacks at the top of the 2024 draft class, it’s hard to envision any of them sliding past pick No. 3. However, the order among them remains to be seen. Let’s dive into how we expect Round 1 of this year’s draft to play out.
1. Chicago Bears (from CAR): QB Caleb Williams (USC)
With Carolina finishing with the worst record in football, the No. 1 will pick will be headed to Chicago. Caleb Williams is simply too talented of a player to pass up here. Among the QBs coming out of the draft over the last decade, Williams looks like one of the best bets to be a franchise signal-caller.
Aside from the clear charisma he plays with, the skill set is supremely gifted. Williams gets terrific velocity on his throws — both from inside and outside the pocket. His improvisational skills are special yet calculated. Williams won’t be reckless with the football. A strong, bulky frame enables him to break tackles — and the feel inside the pocket Williams possesses is insanely good for a player his age.
2. Washington Commanders: QB Drake Maye (North Carolina)
Maye is generally considered to be the second-best quarterback in this class. Maye comes from a system that accentuates his strengths. He’s a big guy at 6-foot-5 with plus throwing power. Maye can run decently well with the football — though his bread-and-butter exists when pumping the ball downfield. The only real knock on him could be sitting with spotty footwork. With a little bit of extra polish, you’re looking at a potential Pro Bowler down the line.
Washington needs a franchise-level talent to help get the team out of the NFC East cellar. Maye would not only give the Commanders a much-needed jolt from an ability standpoint, but he’d also get some buzz back in Washington. New head coach Dan Quinn has to hit here for the Commanders to have any chance at being competitive in the division moving forward.
3. New England Patriots: QB Jayden Daniels (LSU)
The Arizona State transfer took college football by storm this year. 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.
Mac Jones did not work out, and there’s a massive absence of high-level talent on this team. It needs a galvanizing force to not only give New England some hope but also as a way to help Jerod Mayo transition into becoming the team’s head coach. Daniels’ ability to make plays with both his arm and feet is too tantalizing to pass up at this point.
4. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
The way the NFL is trending, adding a legit No. 1 receiver seems like the smart thing to do. Harrison has the pedigree — both from his father and Ohio State — to be one of the league’s best receivers. He fits the mold as a long, lengthy freak athlete who can make plays over the top and also in traffic. Harrison has great ball skills, competes super hard, and ultimately has the physical profile few can match. If he’s as good as people think he’ll be, you could be looking at a player who could elevate Kyler Murray to that next level.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: 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.
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. Fashanu is the best 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: 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.
His kick-out in pass protection is quite good. The strength generated from his lower body enables Alt to disengage with defenders via a powerful initial punch. The athletic ability here is very good (especially when moving in space). The fact Alt comes from a school known for producing high-level offensive linemen is also a positive in the +/- column.
8. Atlanta Falcons: DL Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
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. 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.
9. Chicago Bears: WR Rome Odunze (Washington)
The arrival of Odunze would take a lot of pressure off Caleb Wilson. 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 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: EDGE Dallas Turner (Alabama)
Danielle Hunter bolted for Houston in the offseason, creating a massive need for an edge rusher in Minnesota. A possible replacement falls in our mock probably a bit later than anyone would expect. 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). Brian Flores will love this guy.
12. Denver Broncos: QB J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)
Sean Payton will get his quarterback of the future here. McCarthy is an accurate thrower of the football with decent athleticism. He’ll also come to Denver 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 the Broncos. Payton gets a big-armed QB who can usher in a new era in Denver. Oregon’s Box Nix could also be in play here as an option.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Michael Penix (Washington)
The Raiders are in desperate need of a franchise QB. Enter Penix — an exceptionally accurate quarterback with some of the best deep ball skills of any thrower in the class. 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. Without a doubt, he’d be an immediate upgrade over what the franchise currently has. Antonio Pierce tabbed Luke Getsy as the team’s new OC. With Penix’s accuracy on both throws over the top and in terms of moving the chains, he appears to be a clean fit in Getsy’s scheme.
14. New Orleans Saints: QB Bo Nix (Oregon)
Nix had an absurd season in Eugene. The veteran signal-caller has a 45:3 TD-to-INT ratio along with a 77.4 completion percentage. As has been a theme throughout this piece, the Saints are another team needing a long-term QB on its roster. Derek Carr is merely a temporary solution until something better comes along.
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. Nix might end up being a real steal when it’s all said and done.
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 Jalen Hurts, 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: DB Kalen King (Penn State)
Kalen King is looking to be the next Penn State defensive back to be drafted early. He saw his teammate Joey Porter Jr. selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and King has a chance to sneak into the first round. With Porter Jr. on the opposite side last year, teams often opted to throw King’s way. He collected three interceptions last year and defended 15 passes. This year as a junior, King was one of the Big Ten’s best corners. With the way defenses are forced to play in today’s NFL, defensive backs with top-notch ball skills are highly valuable. The Rams added to their secondary by signing former Bills CB Tre’Davious White, but LA’s defense is craving some prospects with upside.
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. Houston Texans (from CLE): DL Byron Murphy (Texas)
DeMeco Ryans is a defensive-minded coach. As such, according to the philosophy he instilled previously with the San Francisco 49ers, you can never have enough quality defensive linemen. 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 arrival of Thomas Jr. would take a lot of pressure off 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 Bralen Trice (Washington)
Call this a luxury pick. Detroit’s roster is chock-full of young players playing for eventual second contracts and extensions. At some point, the team will have to make some tough decisions. Jared Goff is under contract for 2024, where his cap hit is north of $31 million. If they opt to let him go, a bunch of space will open up to further disperse throughout the roster. Trice was dominant versus Texas in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. His bend off the edge is excellent, and there’s a gifted skill set featuring hand violence and first-step quickness. Simply put, you can never have enough quality pass rushers.
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 Keon Coleman (Florida State)
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. Keon Coleman is a freak of an athlete. His hand-eye coordination for a guy 6-foot-4 is fabulous. He’ll move the chains in third-down situations, and will also pop over the top for monster gains downfield. The key thing here for KC is giving Mahomes enough help to truly flourish. Coleman would create a dynamic pairing next to speedster Marquise Brown.