NFL mock draft 2024: Projecting landing spots for top 2024 NFL Draft prospects

The NFL season is in the rearview mirror with all 32 teams shifting their focus to improving this offseason. It means our attention shifts towards the 2024 NFL mock draft and all the craziness that will transpire during the pre-draft process.

When is the 2024 NFL Draft?

The 2024 NFL Draft is from April 25-27, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Broadcasted on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network, the 2024 NFL Draft will be located at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit. This will be the first time the NFL Draft is held in Michigan.

NFL mock draft: 2024 NFL Draft Round 1 projections

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

There’s really no other choice here for the Chicago Bears to make. Caleb Williams checks every box as an elite talent at the most important position in pro sports. In a league led by superstar quarterbacks, Williams provides the same playmaking ability and ceiling. Best of all for him, he’ll join a Bears roster that is well-positioned for him to have instant success.

Related: Chicago Bears mock draft 2024

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Trading down doesn’t seem like a real option for the Washington Commanders, or about as realistic of happening as J.J. McCarthy being the second overall pick. While we are higher on Drake Maye than Jayden Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner seems to be favored by Washington. Daniels in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense will be Kyler Murray-esque, although, the Commanders’ receiving corps should help the dual-threat quarterback be quite effective in his rookie season.

3. New England Patriots: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The New England Patriots seemed determined to take a quarterback and there’s enough buzz to suggest J.J. McCarthy is the guy. McCarthy is very similar to Kirk Cousins, though, the former Michigan Wolverines signal-caller is a better athlete. If the Patriots are taking McCarthy, it will be even more critical in the 2024 NFL Draft for the team to load up on pass-catchers and offensive linemen.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State

Trading down is certainly an option for the Arizona Cardinals, but Marvin Harrison Jr. feels like too good of a talent to pass on. He offers perennial All-Pro potential and it’s been years since Kyler Murray had an offensive weapon of this caliber. At its peak, the Murray-Harrison Jr. pairing could become one of the best quarterback-receiver combos in the NFL.

5. Minnesota Vikings* (via LAC): Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

TRADE: Minnesota Vikings trade 11th, 23rd overall picks to Los Angeles Chargers for 3rd overall

McCarthy is a better schematic fit for what Kevin O’Connell traditionally likes to, but talent can trump fit. Yes, Drake Maye is a bit of a gambler and his footwork needs some work with the help of an NFL coaching staff. However, all of his physical tools warrant being the first overall pick and his 2022 tape is better than anything McCarthy or even Daniels put on display in 2023. Maye could blossom into an elite quarterback in Minnesota.

6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The top quarterbacks are gone and there are too many needs on the New York Giants roster for general manager Joe Schoen to move up. Instead, New York gives Daniel Jones another year and finally puts a No. 1 receiver on this offense. The Malik Nabers off-field rumors have been refuted, so the on-field talent that is held in the same regard as Julio Jones and Ja’Marr Chase is all that matters. Nabers can become one of the best playmakers in football, even making Jones look good.

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7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

There is some buzz ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft that the Tennessee Titans might consider a wide receiver, but offensive tackle is just such a glaring need. With legendary offensive line coach Bill Callahan overseeing this unit, Joe Alt can develop into a Pro Bowl left tackle and with the weapons already in place, Titans quarterback Will Levis will have the perfect opportunity to prove himself.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Dallas Turner feels like a player who was born to play for Raheem Morris. It also helps that edge rusher is one of the most glaring Atlanta Falcons draft needs in 2024. Turner can truly be the do-it-all edge defender who contributes in coverage, holds his own against the run and is a very effective pass rusher.

9. Indianapolis Colts* (via CHI): Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

TRADE: Indianapolis Colts trade 15th, 82nd, 117th picks to Chicago Bears for 9th overall

We had penciled this trade before NFL.com’s Peter Schrager released his 2024 NFL mock draft and we feel even better about it now. Nabers isn’t available here for Indianapolis, but we like Rome Odunze even more for the Indianapolis Colts. He isn’t as explosive as Nabers, but Odunze could truly become the Davante Adams/Larry Fitzgerald-type of wideout to help Anthony Richardson blossom into stardom.

10. New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

All the signs are pointing toward an offensive lineman and this feels like an ideal scenario for Olu Fashanu. He will be buried on the New York Jets depth chart to open the season, but that also means he isn’t rushed into action and it’s hard to think of a better mentor than Tyron Smith. Whether Smith gets hurt and the Jets need a replacement or this is all just a succession plan, New York should take an offensive tackle.

Related: New York Jets mock draft 2024

2024 NFL mock draft

11. Los Angeles Chargers*: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

If Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers were available here, they would’ve been chosen. With both off the board, the Los Angeles Chargers grab the player who is perfectly suited to play right tackle for Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh. Taliese Fuaga is a multi-year starter at right tackle and he brings the demeanor that will fit the type of offense the Chargers want to run.

12. Los Angeles Rams* (via DEN): Byron Murphy, iDL, Texas

TRADE: Los Angeles Rams trade 19th, 52nd overall picks to Broncos for 12th, 76th overall

It seems viable that the Los Angeles Rams will take a skill player, perhaps even tight end Brock Bowers, when the 2024 NFL Draft arrives. However, not filling the massive void left by Aaron Donald’s retirement means putting even more pressure on Kobie Turner and Byron Young to step up. Both are more secondary disruptors rather than a game-wrecker. Byron Murphy might not be a future Hall of Famer, but his ceiling is that of a game-changer on the defensive interior who will also make life easier for Young and Turner.

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

We do believe the Las Vegas Raiders will draft a quarterback, but not this early in the first round. Quinyon Mitchell doesn’t come from a Power 5 school, but the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine proved he has the skill and athleticism to hang with the best players. Mitchell would be forced into the No. 1 cornerback role in Las Vegas and he’ll have some growing pains, but he still presents a massive upgrade for the secondary.

14. New Orleans Saints: Troy Fautaunu, OT, Washington

The offensive line already felt like a pressing need for the New Orleans Saints months before the 2024 NFL Draft. Then, the team confirmed previous reports that right tackle Ryan Ramczyk might have a career-threatening injury. Troy Fautanu offers multi-position flexibility, so he’ll be an upgrade no matter where he is put on the Saints offensive line.

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15. Chicago Bears*: Jer’Zhan Newton, iDL, Illinois

The lack of draft capital makes it much likelier for the Chicago Bears to trade down and this deal with Indianapolis worked out nicely for both sides. Jer’Zhan Newton would’ve been a reach in the top 10, especially after missing the pre-draft process due to an injury. After collecting a few more draft picks, though, Chicago can justify taking Newton here and adding him to their much-improved defense.

16. Seattle Seahawks: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

An interior defensive lineman was the preference, but the two first-round talents came off the board right before the Seattle Seahawks selection. So, head coach Mike Macdonald gets a high-end pass rusher to improve the front seven. Creating pressure is what Macdonald’s defense does best and Verse could blossom into a double-digit sack player for Seattle in his prime.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The Jacksonville Jaguars now have the front seven for an effective defense, but the secondary is a glaring problem. Terrion Arnold might not offer the highest upside at cornerback, but he is the most pro-ready defensive back and Jacksonville could count on him to be an impact defender immediately. At his peak, Arnold could be a high-end No. 1 cornerback, earning a few Pro Bowl selections.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

With both standout defensive tackles off the board, the Cincinnati Bengals grab the offensive weapon. In 2024, Brock Bowers will be the third receiving option behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but this can also be one of the top pass-catching trios in the NFL. Long-term, Bowers has more than enough YAC ability and receiving prowess to become the ideal complementary receiving option to Chase when Higgins leaves in NFL free agency next year.

19. Denver Broncos*: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

While we don’t have a first-round grade on Box Nix, the fit is what really matters. He’s experienced, a good decision-maker and very accurate, which are the qualities Sean Payton wants in his quarterback. Nix is an ideal fit for Payton’s system and by trading down, Denver gets assets to build around Nix.

Related: 2024 NFL Draft QB rankings

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Offensive tackle seems to be the priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers early in the 2024 NFL Draft, so they might as well swing for the fences. Amarius Mims doesn’t have much starting experience and there are some durability concerns, but he easily offers the most potential of any offensive line prospect in 2024. If he’s developed, the Steelers might have an All-Pro left tackle.

21. Miami Dolphins: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

There’s certainly appeal to grabbing a wide receiver, but an uncertain future with Terron Armstead makes offensive tackle a position the Miami Dolphins can’t ignore. JC Latham could open his NFL career as a quality guard for the Dolphins before eventually kicking back outside to offensive tackle if injury strikes or when Armstead retires.

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22. Philadelphia Eagles: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Cornerback is one of the most obvious Philadelphia Eagles draft needs in 2024, but general manager Howie Roseman has a tendency. One of the NFL’s best talent evaluators prioritizes linemen in the first round. With some of the top tackles taken right before Philadelphia’s selection, Roseman adds the most polished pass rusher in the class with Laiatu Latu. There will be very little learning curve for Latu, he can make a difference as a rookie.

23. Los Angeles Chargers: Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU

Los Angeles Chargers fans want to see the team draft a wide receiver in Round 1 and we weren’t going to conduct this 2024 NFL mock draft without the team grabbing a home-run threat. Brian Thomas Jr. has drawn some developmental comparisons to D.K. Metcalf by Yahoo Sports’ Matt Harmon, capturing the type of career trajectory Thomas Jr. can have. Even if Los Angeles gets a lesser-developed version of BTJ as a rookie, he’ll be their best receiver and it would only be scratching the surface of his potential.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

There are a lot of Dallas Cowboys draft needs to address after a quiet free-agency period, but we’re starting with the foundation of this team. Jackson Powers-Johnson can be the best center the Cowboys have had in years, with athleticism that gives him a high ceiling and a mentality that should make him a favorite for an offensive line coach.

Related: Dallas Cowboys mock draft 2024

25. Green Bay Packers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Some consideration was given to Cooper DeJean, but the Green Bay Packers know how valuable versatile offensive linemen are. With the team viewing Zach Tom as a potential All-Pro on the interior, the need at offensive tackle stands out even more. Graham Barton is a multi-year starter and an outstanding athlete for his size, who also offers the ability to play tackle, guard or even center in the NFL.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

The top pass-rushing prospects are off the board, so the Tampa Bay Buccaneers address another weakness in their defense. It’s possible that Cooper DeJean might eventually convert to safety, but his film at Iowa and his rare athleticism mean he should have a chance to play cornerback. Quite frankly, he could play extremely well at that spot and he’ll add even more value for Tampa Bay as a returner.

Also Read: MLB mock draft 2024

27. Arizona Cardinals: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Nate Wiggins is very undersized (175 pounds), but he has the coverage skills and playing style to quickly become one of Jonathan Gannon’s favorite players. If he was able to put on more weight and maintain his athleticism, we’d be looking at a top-15 prospect. Instead, Arizona lands a potential above-average starter for the next five-plus seasons.

28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Patience pays off here for the Buffalo Bills. There will be a temptation to swing a trade into the top 20 to grab a top wide receiver, but there are quite a few needs that also need to be addressed for the Bills to remain a Super Bowl contender long-term. Adonai Mitchell shows a lot of No. 1 wide receiver flashes, with a ceiling even higher than Brian Thomas Jr., Buffalo will just need to turn those flashes into consistency.

29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Cornerback and edge rusher are the two most obvious Detroit Lions draft needs in 2024. Fortunately, where they are positioned gives them a chance to choose between the two possessions while factoring in the BPA strategy. Kool-Aid McKinstry proved to be more of a No. 2 corner last season at Alabama, but he also displayed a football IQ, mentality and instincts that should earn the trust of the Lions coaching staff quickly. Add him to Detroit’s secondary and this could turn into a top-12 defense.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Ronnie Stanely might not have much of a future with the Baltimore Ravens based on the way he played last season and Morgan Moses was traded early in the offseason. All of this has made offensive tackle one of the long-term Ravens draft needs in 2024. Tyler Guyton might not start in Week 1 for Baltimore, but his athleticism and size could be molded by the Ravens coaching staff into a top-10 left tackle.

Also Read: 2024 NFL Draft running back rankings

31. Las Vegas Raiders* (via SF): Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington

TRADE: Las Vegas Raiders trade 44th, 112th overall picks to San Francsico 49ers for 31st pick

The Las Vegas Raiders sneak into the end of Round 1 for their quarterback, snagging Michael Penix Jr. to become their long-term starter. Penix Jr. feels like the perfect fit for Las Vegas and the situation honestly feels similar to what he had to work with in Washington. While Penix Jr. might not ever become a top-10 quarterback, as long as he stays healthy, he can be better for the Raiders than Derek Carr was at his best.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

The Kansas City Chiefs could certainly consider someone like Ladd McConkey or Ja’Lynn Polk to close out the first round, but this front office has a history of putting even more emphasis on the offensive line. Quite frankly, Kansas City doesn’t have a reliable long-term starter at either tackle position and even guard Trey Smith could prove too expensive to keep after 2024. Jordan Morgan could either be a guard or tackle in the NFL, providing the Chiefs’ coaching staff with some flexibility in 2024 and beyond.