Who will be the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft? Sportsnaut’s first 2024 NFL mock draft takes a look at the highly-anticipated draft class that includes Marvin Harrison Jr, Caleb Williams, and Drake Maye. While we’re a year away from the draft weekend in 2024, it’s never too early to look ahead at the 2024 NFL Draft prospects.
Projecting the 2024 mock before the season even takes place includes much thought. It’s not hard to decipher team needs right now, but how will the depth chart look a full year from today? Considering different factors like age, contract length, and a player’s effectiveness, we formulated draft plans for each team with a first-round pick in 2024.
Of course, we don’t have a crystal ball, nor do we know how a draft prospect will boost or harm their stock on or off field in the upcoming college football season, but we do have some idea of which players are generating hype as potential first-round picks.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft order, picks by team
Prepared to be shocked, not only by the draft order in some cases but also by seeing which players are being replaced. Yet, you might also learn a thing or two, discovering another college prospect to take note of throughout the year.
The order for our 2024 NFL mock draft using the latest Super Bowl odds from DraftKings and early projections for the 2023 season. With that in mind, let’s dive into our first 2024 NFL Draft mock.
2024 NFL mock draft: Cardinals, Rams start a new era
1. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Los Angeles Rams are in a rebuild, even with more than $100 million in cap space allocated to Matthew Stafford over the next two years (2024-’25). Holding the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the only option is drafting Caleb Williams. Los Angeles keeps its biggest star, landing a quarterback prospect who is even better than anyone from the 2023 class. Putting Williams in a Sean McVay offense with Cooper Kupp is the quickest way for the Rams to contend. -MJ
Related: NFL scouts keeping an eye on 2024 NFL Draft class
2. Arizona Cardinals: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Arizona Cardinals will face a relatively difficult decision if they have a top-two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. They could take the Chicago Bears’ route, trading the pick and using the return to build around Kyler Murray. However, Murray isn’t the best option for a franchise that is essentially in a rebuild. A new regime will want a young quarterback it can rely on and there’s no better way to build a team than doing it around a high-end quarterback on a rookie contract. The wise choice is for the Cardinals to draft Maye, an elite prospect, then trade Murray. It would provide a fresh start the organization desperately needs. -MJ
Related: Top 2024 NFL Draft prospect wants to play for Miami Dolphins
3. Tennessee Titans: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers is one of the best players in the 2024 NFL Draft and is arguably a superior prospect to Kyle Pitts (2021). Bowers – the 2022 John Mackey Award winner and a two-time All-American – is a force at the position. He’s responsible for nearly 2,000 scrimmage yards in his first two seasons and is the rare type of athlete who can make plays from the backfield (165 rushing yards). He also represents everything Mike Vrabel loves and would be an excellent fit in the Tennessee Titans offense. -MJ
Related: NFL scouts view Caleb Williams as No. 1 pick
4. Indianapolis Colts: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State
Marvin Harrison Jr is the best wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft and it would be fitting if the Indianapolis Colts draft him. The son of the Pro Football Hall of Famer who caught 114 touchdowns from Peyton Manning, Harrison Jr. would instantly become the No. 1 receiver in Indianapolis. The 2023 draft class provided the Colts with their quarterback of the future and selecting Harrison Jr. will remind Jim Irsay of the Manning-Harrison combo that dominated the NFL for years and helped make Indianapolis a perennial power. -MJ
Related: Why Marvin Harrison Jr should sit out 2023, prepare for 2024 NFL Draft
5. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Emeka Egbuka and Harrison Jr. arrived at Ohio State together as part of the 2021 recruiting class. Now, they could be among more than five Buckeys’ signees from that class who are drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Egbuka, standing at 6-foot-1, earned second-team All-Big Ten honors this past season and averaged 17.1 ypc in his first two years. While he might not be on the same tier as his teammate, he’s still one of the best wide receiver prospects in 2024. -MJ
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
If Drake Maye and Caleb Williams are off the board, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to wait for a quarterback. During the 2022 season, Tampa Bay’s offensive line allowed 145 pressures (PFF) and left tackle was their biggest weakness. Joe Alt, a first-team All-American as a 19-year-old was outstanding in pass protection and earned an elite PFF grade for his run blocking. No matter what team drafts him, there’s a shot he becomes an All-Pro left tackle. -MJ
Related: 5 NFL teams who should tank for Caleb Williams
7. Chicago Bears: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry was one of the best defensive backs in college football last season, recording 18 forced incompletions (PFF) and 322 punt return yards. After being coached up at Alabama for the last three years, McKinstry would provide the length, athleticism and instincts that would provide the Chicago Bears with a No. 1 cornerback. -MJ
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8. Atlanta Falcons: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Atlanta Falcons defense combined for 193 pressures and 38 sacks across the 2021-’22 NFL seasons in 34 games. Putting that into perspective, four NFL teams had at least 50 sacks last season and the Philadelphia Eagles combined for 70 in 17 games. Jared Verse is returning to Florida State next season, despite the NFL already viewing him as a top-20 pick in 2023. With another strong season, the Seminoles’ edge rusher can be a top-10 pick. -MJ
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9. Green Bay Packers: Jeremiah Trotter Jr, LB, Clemson
The Green Bay Packers can move on from De’Vondre Campbell in 2024, opening the door to select one of the best defensive players in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., a former four-star recruit, is the son of the former All-Pro linebacker. The young linebacker is a perfect fit for the modern NFL, profiling as an excellent off-ball defender who excels in coverage and as a blitzer. -MJ
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10. Las Vegas Raiders: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in his true freshman season, but injuries derailed his sophomore campaign. The 6-foot-1 cornerback is now healthy and drawing rave views. If he builds upon what he displayed as a freshman, standing out as Ohio State’s top cornerback, Burke projects as the perfect solution to the Las Vegas Raiders’ issues in the secondary. -MJ
Related: NFL insider believes Josh McDaniels won’t be on hot seat in 2023
NFL mock draft: Highlighting young talent in 2024 NFL Draft
11. New England Patriots: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
If the New England Patriots don’t spend a top pick on a cornerback in 2023, you can bet it becomes a major focal point the following offseason. Kalen King was the best cornerback on Penn State’s roster in 2022, even outperforming teammate Joey Porter Jr. If he passes the test of becoming a No. 1 cornerback for a Power 5 team this fall, he’ll be a top-10 pick. -MJ
12. New Orleans Saints: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Cameron Jordan is a free agent in 2024 and the New Orleans Saints have already lost a lot of their talent on a once-great defensive line. Dallas Turner is the next in line of Alabama’s pipeline of high-end defensive talent being prepared for the NFL. The 6-foot-4 pass rusher will be challenged more this fall as the top player opponents try and stop, but his high-end athleticism and ability to drop back in coverage will entice NFL teams in the top 15 of the 2024 NFL Draft. -MJ
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13. Baltimore Ravens: Michael Hall Jr., DL, Ohio State
If Michael Hall Jr. can perform like the player we saw against Notre Dame (2 sacks), he’s going to be a special player. The 6-foot-3 and 290-pound defensive tackle must prove he can stay on the field, but he’d be an excellent addition to the interior of the Baltimore Ravens’ defense. -MJ
Related: Why the Washington Commanders should go all-in on Lamar Jackson
14. Washington Commanders: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
The Washington Commanders are going to attempt to make things work with Sam Howell, but the investment into Jacoby Brissett suggests their confidence isn’t supremely high. Plus, you can bet a new ownership group will want to be responsible for landing the franchise quarterback. Quinn Ewers – 15-6 TD-INT ratio in 2022 – still isn’t polished as a passer. However, a breakout season for the resurgent Texas Longhorns could easily push the former No. 1 overall recruit into the top-15 picks of the 2024 draft class. -MJ
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15. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his contract, which means the Minnesota Vikings may not have a starting QB by the time the 2024 NFL Draft rolls around. His college career has been deterred by several injuries, but Michael Penix Jr. has developed into an accurate passer who finds success releasing the ball from several unnatural arm angles. Penix even has the athleticism to pick up chunks of yardage with his legs. – Andrew Buller-Russ
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16. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
We saw the Bears take some steps to build for the future by boosting the receiving corps around Justin Fields. Now we want to see one of the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat QBs get more time to make reads from the pocket. Olu Fashanu is a mammoth offensive tackle who plays with a mean streak while dominating in pass protection. – ABR
17. Denver Broncos: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
We’ve seen the Broncos cast away both Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in recent seasons. While Baron Browning has been a hidden gem, and Nik Bonitto could develop too, the Broncos need a stronger edge presence to compete in the AFC West. Sawyer may not show up as a dominant pass rusher, but he can maintain contain while being stout in run defense. – ABR
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18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Building a brighter future for Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris. That’s the theme here by selecting Kingsley Suamataia, whose feet are impressive for a 6-foot-6 lineman. Suamataia plays with the kind of physicality Pittsburgh natives will love. – ABR
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19. New York Giants: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Adding Darren Waller provides Daniel Jones with a seam-stretching tight end who should be able to help in the red zone too. But he still doesn’t have a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver to take attention away from Waller and Saquon Barkley. As one of the fastest prospects in the 2024 draft class, Xavier Worthy would change that in a flash. – ABR
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20. Houston Texans (via CLE): Maason Smith, DL, LSU
Whether they have plans to play Maason Smith at defensive tackle or along the edge, it won’t matter. Smith knows how to get to the QB no matter where he lines up, yet he also has the build and strength to be a plus-run defender capable of playing all three downs. – ABR
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21. Seattle Seahawks: Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State
Depending on what the Seahawks do in the 2023 NFL Draft, they may very well still have a need for a game-wrecking defensive lineman like Tyleik Williams. He does it all well, showing a strong initial burst and a motor that never stops running. – ABR
22. Jacksonville Jaguars: Andrew Mukuba, S, Clemson
Having elite talent on the defensive line and in the linebacker room, now the Jaguars add a blue-chip prospect in the secondary too. Andrew Mukuba is the type of safety who flies around the field, showing up wherever he’s needed. He has great ball skills, quick feet, and plenty of speed. – ABR
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23. Detroit Lions: Calen Bullock, S, USC
We expect the Lions’ defense to take a step forward this season, but more work will need to be done. Aidan Hutchinson is certainly a cornerstone, and we’ll assume Detroit found their CB1 on Day One of the 2023 draft. The Lions are set at safety in 2023, but CJ Gardner-Johnson is operating on a one-year contract. Bullock can be a long-term solution. – ABR
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24. Los Angeles Chargers: Raheim Sanders, RB, Arkansas
This one isn’t too complicated. Austin Ekeler is entering the final year of his contract and may not have a future in L.A. Raheim Sanders is younger, less expensive, and still a skilled pass-catcher. A true three-down back, “Rocket” has the type of speed that can elevate an offense. – ABR
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25. Buffalo Bills: Bryce Foster, iOL, Texas A&M
Protection is the name of the game when you have a franchise quarterback like Josh Allen. Not only do the Bills need to form a stronger line around their MVP candidate, we need to see a mean streak that gives hope for a dominant rushing attack that can put the game on ice, reducing the burden on Allen. Foster is a center who has that mean streak while also having enough agility to demolish defenders at the second level. – ABR
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26. New York Jets: Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
This pick is all about getting Sauce more help in the secondary, bringing another playmaker who gives Jets opponents a pick-your-poison scenario, plotting where they want to attack next. Bullard has experience playing corner and safety and should help shore up any weaknesses in coverage. – ABR
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27. Miami Dolphins: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Hailing from the San Francisco talent tree, Mike McDaniel could probably operate an efficient rushing attack with just about anyone in the backfield. Here he finally gets that star, three-down playmaker with TreVeyon Henderson, who can just as easily run over, or past defenders. – ABR
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28. Dallas Cowboys: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
CeeDee Lamb may be playing on his fifth-year option next year, Brandin Cooks will be 31 when the 2024 season starts, and Michael Gallup will have a cap hit of $13.8 million. If Lamb’s option is picked up, that’s $43.5M to three receivers. Perhaps a bit too rich for Jerry Jones’ blood, adding a 6-foot-3 weapon like Troy Franklin, who may also have 4.3 jets, could be enticing. – ABR
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29. Philadelphia Eagles: Zion Tupuola-Fetui, EDGE, Washington
Derek Barnett is in a contract year, Brandon Graham will be 36 and possibly out of football, so Josh Sweat will need a pass-rush partner off the edge. Zion Tupuola-Fetui can do it all as a pass rusher, showing power and quickness while having the wherewithal to force strip sacks. – ABR
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30. Cincinnati Bengals: Malachi Moore, CB, Ohio State
A team can never have too many defensive backs, and if the Bengals have plans of outdueling the strong passing attacks of several formidable AFC foes, they’ll need reinforcements. Malachi Moore plays corner and safety, using his high football IQ to make plays in coverage. He’d be a strong fit for any team. – ABR
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31. San Francisco 49ers: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami (FL)
After letting Mike McGlinchey walk in free agency, the 49ers will want to find a long-term solution at right tackle. Zion Nelson has the athleticism to play either side, which could even make him an ideal fit to replace Trent Williams eventually. For now, he’s a plug-and-play starter at either tackle spot. – ABR
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32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
This isn’t necessarily replacing Travis Kelce as much as finding a protege who can be a quick learner. Let’s face it, Kelce will be 34 in 2024 and won’t be around forever. Adding an athlete like Sanders won’t mean Kansas City’s star has to leave any time soon. They can work together, giving Patrick Mahomes two top-notch weapons at tight end. – ABR
