There may still be a few teams hoping they can hoist a Super Bowl trophy on February 11, but most of the NFL is already in offseason mode. That includes the starving fanbases desperate for an updated 2024 NFL mock draft.
While the 2024 NFL Draft won’t begin until April 25, it’s never too early to consider which team needs must be filled. While free agency can help in the short term, franchise quarterbacks, blindside protectors, No. 1 receivers, and shutdown cornerbacks are found through the NFL Draft. Below, you’ll find Sportsnaut’s latest 2024 NFL mock draft, complete with all 32 selections in the first round.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft order
1. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
For the second year in a row, the Chicago Bears have the opportunity to pick first. This time, they may not be able to ignore the tantalizing upside of Caleb Williams. Drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, thanks to his ability to manipulate the pocket, adjust his arm angle, and make incredible throws on the run, the USC QB is widely considered the best prospect available.
Related: Are Chicago Bears gathering intel on USC’s Caleb Williams?
Trading Justin Fields will only help build a stronger foundation for Williams, ensuring they don’t make the same mistakes by leaving their young QB without much to work with offensively. Hiring a bright offensive mind to call plays will be just as important, but first, the Bears need to get their franchise QB and find another exciting receiver later on. – Andrew Buller-Russ
2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Washington Commanders would’ve loved to bring quarterback Caleb Williams home, but that wasn’t an option in our 2024 NFL mock draft. No matter. Drake Maye is also a generational talent, offering similar arm strength and athleticism as Williams. We have no doubt general manager Adam Peters can build a great team around Maye, especially with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Add in Ben Johnson as head coach and the Commadners’ offense could erupt in 2024. — Matt Johnson
3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Suffering through four seasons without Tom Brady while seeing a lack of mobility restrict Mac Jones, it’s time for the New England Patriots to continue their massive organizational transformation. Drafting a Heisman-winning QB like LSU’s Jayden Daniels immediately raises the ceiling of the Patriots’ scoring offense, not only in arm talent but also with his athleticism. From here, the Patriots can focus on adding more talent around their new playmaker. – ABR
Related: 4 New England Patriots general manager candidates to replace Bill Belichick
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Arizona Cardinals need to find a No. 1 wide receiver for Kyler Murray. Marvin Harrison Jr. isn’t just the best receiver prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, he might be one of the best prospects at his position in our lifetime. He has the talent to challenge for an All-Pro selection as a rookie. Simply put, you don’t pass on a talent like that. —MJ
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Los Angeles Chargers could take several different approaches with their first-round pick. No matter what, they’ll end up with a blue-chip talent. Taking the best receiver available came into consideration, but depth can be found in the later rounds. Players like Brock Bowers can’t be found elsewhere because he’s one of a kind. A bully after the catch, Bowers will quickly become Justin Herbert’s best friend and one of the top tight ends in the NFL. – ABR
Related: Los Angeles Chargers mock draft 2024
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
No matter what you think of quarterback Daniel Jones long-term, the New York Giants front office hasn’t done him any favors with this receiving corps. New York is expected to lose Saquon Barkley this offseason, making the need for a No. 1 wide receiver even more pressing. If not for Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers would be talked about as the unquestioned top wideout in the 2024 NFL Draft. He offers an All-Pro ceiling and is one of the best playmakers in the class. —MJ
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Adding Peter Skoronski a year ago was only the beginning of re-building the Tennessee Titans trenches. Joe Alt continues that effort, providing what should be a much safer pocket for Will Levis and whoever’s the leading rusher in Tennessee in 20024. With Alt protecting the blindside of Levis with Skoronski next to him, the Titans would suddenly have two crucial building blocks for the next decade-plus. – ABR
Related: Top Tennessee Titans head coach candidates
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The increasing likelihood of Bill Belichick becoming the Atlanta Falcons head coach pushes us away from wide receiver Rome Odunze in our latest 2024 NFL mock draft. Instead, Atlanta adds to its pass rush with the best edge rusher in the 2024 NFL Draft. While Dallas Turner isn’t on the Will Anderson Jr. tier of pass rushers, he could develop into a Pro Bowl selection at the next level in his prime. —MJ
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
With a new franchise quarterback in town, now the Bears need to surround him with talent. Adding a size/speed specimen like Rome Odunze gives Williams a high-upside receiver who might even be able to surpass D.J. Moore in targets in time. If so, the Bears would have a very explosive tandem of pass-catchers. Imagine that. – ABR
Related: 4 Chicago Bears offseason moves to improve in 2024
10. New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
This would be a dream scenario for the New York Jets in the 2204 NFL Draft. While Olu Fashanu had a down year at Penn State in 2023, he offers the highest ceiling of all offensive tackles in this class. If he returns to the form that made NFL scouts call him a once-in-a-generation talent after the 2022 season, New York will have the perfect solution to its issues at left tackle. —MJ
Related: New York Jets expected to trade Zach Wilson: 3 ideal landing spots
11. Minnesota Vikings: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
With the top quarterbacks off the board, leaving Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, and J.J. McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings instead opt to extend their window with Kirk Cousins by building the strongest roster they can. Brian Flores helped turn around the defense by bringing more pressure than anyone, but now the Vikings need to add more to a secondary that doesn’t have enough proven talent at cornerback, and McKinstry could quickly develop into a lockdown defender. – ABR
Related: 2024 Minnesota Vikings mock draft; consensus draft roundup
12. Denver Broncos: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Patrick Surtain II is a bonafide No. 1 cornerback who can challenge for All-Pro status every season, but that doesn’t mean the Denver Broncos shouldn’t keep adding to their secondary. Terrion Arnold was outstanding this past season for the Alabama Crimson Tide, holding opponents to a 50.7 NFL QB rating (PFF) when they threw in his direction. Start him opposite of Surtain and you could have the best cornerback tandem in the NFL. —MJ
Related: NFL defense rankings
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Quarterback remains a top need, but this feels too early for any of the best remaining prospects. Instead, the Las Vegas Raiders can improve their passing offense and rushing offense by adding Taliese Fuaga, who can help set the tone in the trenches by bringing his mean streak to Vegas. – ABR
14. New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Former first-round pick Trevor Penning was a disaster in 2023, allowing 19 pressures and being called for 7 sacks in just 417 snaps before a season-ending injuries. Poor play and injuries have defined his career and the odds of him developing at this point aren’t promising. JC Latham can challenge for the left tackle spot and if Penning is given another chance, Latham could kick inside to guard. —MJ
15. Indianapolis Colts: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
With the Indianapolis Colts’ best cornerback set for free agency, reinforcements are needed to give this promising pass rush a chance to get home. JuJu Brents may be one building block, but even if Kenny Moore returns, having a playmaker like Cooper DeJean could turn an average group into a great one. – ABR
Related: NFL power rankings
16. Seattle Seahawks: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Seattle Seahawks have enough talent in the secondary to run an effective defense, but this pass rush needs to get bet. After all, finishing 16th in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate (42 percent) isn’t enough when you’re facing some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Jared Verse isn’t much of a run defender, but he is one of the best pure pass rushers in the 2024 NFL Draft. —MJ
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
While the Jacksonville Jaguars may have other needs, getting the best down lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft at 17 feels like robbery. Jer’Zhan Newton has the ability to develop into a game-wrecking defensive tackle. Pair him with Josh Allen and Travon Walker, and the Jaguars would have a dominant group of pass-rushers to make life easier on the secondary. — ABR
Related: Highest-paid NFL players 2024
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia Bulldogs
With Jonah Williams likely departing in free agency, there’s an obvious void at right tackle. Amarius Mims might have the size and athleticism to eventually move over to the left side, but he was Georgia’s right tackle in 2023. He could remain at that position for Cincinnati next season, working with the coaching staff to develop into the Bengals’ long-term left tackle. —MJ
Related: NFL offense rankings
19. Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
We saw the impact Kobie Turner made as a rookie, giving the Rams two ferocious pass-rushing defensive tackles, but they need more help on the edge. In a cornerback-rich draft, the Rams can find more secondary help later on, but Laiatu Latu can make this pass-rush elite right away. — ABR
Related: 2024 Los Angeles Rams mock draft
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Joey Porter Jr. looks like a future perennial Pro Bowl selection at cornerback, but opponents loved attacking the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers cornerbacks in 2023. Nate Wiggins does carry some durability concerns, but a defensive back who can hold opponents under a 75.0 NFL QB rating (PFF) in three consecutive seasons profiles nicely as a No. 2 boundary corner at the next level. —MJ
21. Miami Dolphins: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Tua Tagovailoa didn’t miss a game during the 2023 season, but that doesn’t mean the Miami Dolphins’ work on the offensive line is done. Terron Armstead is one of the best left tackles in the NFL, but the Dolphins are still trying to find their best five offensive linemen, and when you have an offense like Mike McDaniel’s, filled with playmakers, making sure your starting QB stays healthy is always a priority. — ABR
Related: 3 Tua Tagovailoa Miami Dolphins QB replacements
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB, Missouri
—MJ
23. Houston Texans (via CLE): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
While C.J. Stroud showed he can make magic with nearly any receiver on the field, the Houston Texans would be wise to surround him with playmakers. Tank Dell and Nico Collins are great pieces, but adding another size-speed freak like LSU’s Brian Thomas would give Texans opponents more than they could handle. — ABR
Related: 2024 Houston Texans mock draft
24. Dallas Cowboys: Byron Murphy, iDL, Texas
While the Dallas Cowboys have one of the most exciting edge rushes in the NFL, there’s roo to improve on the inside. Keeping Byron Murphy in the state of Texas, Dallas would be landing a defensive tackle who posted a stellar 9.5% run-stop win rate with 36 hurries last season.—MJ
Related: 2024 Dallas Cowboys mock draft
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Even though he continues to defy expectations, David Bakhtiari can’t play forever. The Green Bay Packers found their franchise quarterback. Now, it’s time to protect him. Arizona’s Jordan Morgan can ease into the NFL at right tackle before eventually protecting Jordan Love’s blindside. — ABR
Related: 2024 Green Bay Packers mock draft
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rush disappeared for long stretches this past season, with the defensive front struggling to create consistent pressure. Alabama’s Chris Braswell showed outstanding promise as an edge rusher this past season and his breakout year has vaulted him into becoming a first-round pick. — MJ
Related: Highest-paid NFL quarterbacks
27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Dennis Gardeck led the Arizona Cardinals in sacks this past season, and he only had six all year. You don’t need a calculator to know that’s not nearly enough pressure. After getting Kyler Murray a star wideout earlier, the Cardinals need to get their defensive-minded head coach some more talent, and Chop Robinson has double-digit sack potential in his future. — ABR
Related: NFL QB rankings
28. Buffalo Bills: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
At some point, the Buffalo Bills will have to find a replacement or at least a protege for Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Even if the veterans stick around for more time in Buffalo, Tyler Nubin won’t have any trouble seeing the field as a rookie. Nubin’s instincts should lead to plenty of big plays for the Bills defense for years to come. — ABR
Related: Super Bowl odds: Every team’s championship futures for 2023-24 NFL season
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Rashee Rice’s emergence is massive for the Kansas City Chiefs offensive moving forward, but he isn’t remotely enough for this team to remain a perennial Super Bowl contender. Troy Franklin, 6-foot-3, had the 14th-most deep catches (14) this past season, averaging 17.3 yards per reception. A viable deep threat with Rice working underneath would help this Chiefs’ offense return to glory. — MJ
Related: NFL Playoff predictions
30. Detroit Lions: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Since the second half of the season, it’s been obvious that the Detroit Lions have needed a lot more help in the secondary. While Kamari Lassiter is a bit undersized, he brings a lot of physicality and that stands out to the Lions’ organization. Lassiter could be a solid starter for Detroit in 2024. —MJ
Related: NFL head coaching search highlights two most desirable candidates emerging as favorites
31. San Francisco 49ers: Graham Barton, OT, Duke
The best way to ensure Kyle Shanahan’s offense stays elite is by reinforcing the offensive line, and it’s only a matter of time before Trent Williams walks off into the sunset, possibly even after a Super Bowl win. Either way, you can never go wrong investing in the trenches with a player like Graham Barton. — ABR
Related: NFL Coach of the Year race
32. Baltimore Ravens: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
In this scenario, the Baltimore Ravens are simply taking the best player available in our 2024 NFL mock draft. Bralen Trice was outstanding this past season for the Washington Huskies, netting 51 hurries and 17 QB hits. With Jadeveon Clowney and Justin Madubuike free agents this offseason, Baltimore can grab another pass rusher to keep this defense rolling. —MJ
