While the 2023 NFL Draft may feel like it just ended, the truth is scouts and draft analysts have already turned the page to next year. So it’s only natural for 2024 NFL mock drafts to begin.
We know a player’s draft stock today will be much different than where it will be in April of 2024, but teams keep an eye on players all season long, trying to see how much a prospect develops from the start to the end of the season. Some players will inevitably drop out of the first round, yet we feel there are at least a few locks right now.
All the hype will focus on the top quarterbacks like USC’s Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye, but other prospects like Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., and Georgia’s Brock Bowers have developed a cult following too. But where do the world-class talents end up in the NFL? Our mock draft will answer that very question.
Related: 2023 college football rankings
The 2024 NFL Draft order for our Round 1 2024 NFL mock draft is based on the latest Super Bowl odds and our 2023 NFL power rankings.
2024 NFL mock draft
1. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Arizona Cardinals are amassing a stockpile of 2024 NFL Draft picks. While that could be to build around Kyler Murray, the better long-term play is using all of those resources to create an excellent supporting cast to help a rookie quarterback. Caleb Williams is the best prospect in the 2024 NFL, offering elite tools that can make him an MVP-caliber player. — Matt J
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2. Los Angeles Rams: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Los Angeles Rams would certainly prefer to build their franchise around the local star. With that said, landing a 6-foot-5 quarterback who posted a 38-7 TD-INT ratio last season with 698 rushing yards and seven scores is a phenomenal consolation prize. Drake Maye would’ve been the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and he can be the face of the franchise for the Rams. — Matt J
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3. Tennessee Titans: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Tennessee Titans miss out on the top quarterbacks, but they land the best offensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft. Olu Fashanu excelled in pass protection last season, allowing just one quarterback hit and seven pressures (PFF).The 6-foot-6 tackle is just starting to scratch at the surface of his potential and he could become an All-Pro left tackle in Tennessee. — Matt J
Related: Top 2024 NFL Draft prospect wants to play for Miami Dolphins
4. Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State
Marvin Harrison Jr. would be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL tomorrow if teams were allowed to have him. Instead, they’ll have to wait for the best wide receiver prospect to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. The son of the Hall of Fame receiver, Harrison Jr. isn’t as fast as his father, but he’s a bigger-bodied receiver and can be just as explosive. If the Chicago Bears have a top-five pick, Harrison Jr. should be the top player on their draft board. — Matt J
Related: Why Marvin Harrison Jr should sit out 2023, prepare for 2024 NFL Draft
5. Indianapolis Colts: 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). While he isn’t a receiver, Bowers would be Anthony Richardson’s favorite target. — Matt J
Related: NFL scouts view Caleb Williams as No. 1 pick
6. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Thanks to the draft-day trade with the Houston Texans, Arizona will likely have a pair of top-seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. 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. With Alt and Paris Johnson Jr. at both tackle spots, Caleb Williams would be protected for years to come. — Matt J
Related: 5 NFL teams who should tank for Caleb Williams
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a top-10 pick in 2024, quarterback will be the priority. With no great options in this spot, Tampa Bay takes the best defensive player on the board. 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. — Matt J
8. Las Vegas Raiders: 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 the Las Vegas Raiders desperately need as a No. 1 corner. — Matt J
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9. Denver Broncos: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Denver Broncos have some nice, young talent defensively, but they need a more consistent pass rush. Jared Verse was a projected top-20 pick in 2023 before deciding to return to school. With another strong season, he can be a top-10 selection and the No. 1 pass rusher in Denver. — Matt J
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10. Atlanta Falcons: J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau has largely been more of a flash player than consistently dominant in college, but he’s also young. At his pest, Tuimoloau is one of the best defensive linemen in college football. With another step forward, he can be the next great Buckeyes’ pass rusher that NFL teams are desperate to land. — Matt J
Related: NFL offense rankings
2024 NFL Draft mock: Packers, Texans build around QBs
11. Green Bay Packers: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Based on the level of confidence the Green Bay Packers have in Jordan Love and the supporting cast around him, he should play fairly well in 2023. As long as he improves over a 17-game season, Green Bay commits to him for the 2024 season. At that point, the Packers can finally break from their two-decades-long tradition by taking a wide receiver in Round 1 and Xavier Worthy would complete the Packers’ offense perfectly. — Matt J
12. Washington Commanders: Andrew Mukuba, S, Clemson
The Washington Commanders committed early picks to their secondary in 2023, addressing a long-time need at cornerback. While it should improve the secondary, it likely won’t be enough. Andrew Mukuba, a four-star recruit in 2021, showed elite traits last season and projects to be a top-15 pick a year after a very weak safety class left NFL teams desperate at the position. — Matt J
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13. New England Patriots: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The 2023 season will determine if Mac Jones is the long-term quarterback for the New England Patriots, but they need to draft an offensive tackle no matter the answer. Alabama has a rich history of sending pro-ready offensive tackles to the NFL and JC Latham (84.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2022) is the next in line. — Matt J
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14. New Orleans Saints: Donovan Jackson, iOL, Ohio State
After investing heavily in the defensive line at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints might flip to the other side of the ball in 2024. Donovan Jackson was one of the best interior linemen in college football last season and his well-rounded skillset as a blocker makes him a nice fit for the Saints’ balanced offense. — Matt J
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15. Houston Texans (via CLE): Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Houston Texans might live to regret the price they paid to get Will Anderson Jr, but at least they still have a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. There’s no one in Houston’s receiving corps who would strike fear in a defense. Not only can Emeka Egbuka be the Texans’ No. 1 receiver, he already has chemistry with C.J. Stroud. – Matt J
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16. New York Giants: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
The New York Giants haven’t made any significant investments into the weaponry around Daniel Jones and that must change. Troy Franklin (6-foot-2) will likely be one of the fastest players in the 2024 NFL Draft and the Giants have made it quite clear they want vertical threats. — Matt J
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17. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Maason Smith, DT, LSU
With their second pick in Round 1, Chicago can turn its focus to the defensive line after passing on Jalen Carter in 2023. Maason Smith might not be on Carter’s level as a draft prospect, but he can be a top-20 selection if he looks healthy coming off an ACL tear. — Matt J
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18. Minnesota Vikings: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
The Minnesota Vikings heavily scouted the 2023 quarterback class, but ultimately never got their guy. With Kirk Cousins departing next offseason, the 2024 NFL Draft will finally be the time Minnesota addresses the position. 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. — Matt J
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19. Pittsburgh Steelers: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
The Pittsburgh Steelers have their core in place on offense, now they need to build one of the best defenses in the NFL. Barrett Carter is one of the best linebackers in the 2024 NFL Draft, alongside teammate Jeremiah Trotter Jr, providing Pittsburgh with an elite athlete with excellent instincts to plug into the heart of its defense. — Matt J
Related: NFL defense rankings
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20. Detroit Lions: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
While Brian Branch can handle nickel duties, the Lions opted against addressing the cornerback position early in the 2023 NFL Draft. That decision could come back to haunt them after allowing the third-most passing yards per game in 2022. Lassiter has great ball skills and could quickly help win the turnover battle in Detroit. — Andrew BR
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21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State
The Jaguars may receive a boost from Calvin Ridley in 2023, but they could soon realize Christian Kirk and Zay Jones aren’t scaring anyone. Meanwhile, Johnny Wilson, who stands at 6-foot-7, would certainly intimidate some opponents with Trevor Lawrence throwing darts. — Andrew BR
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22. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
Pre-draft hype suggested the Seahawks could be enticed by Jalen Carter in the 2023 class, but Seattle signed big-money free agents instead. Well, Michael Hall would represent a better long-term solution along the D-line. He never gives up on a play and would bring the relentless, non-stop motor fans love to see. — Andrew BR
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23. Baltimore Ravens: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Surprisingly the Ravens opted against addressing their cornerback room early on in the 2023 NFL Draft. We’re making up for it now with the 6-foot-1 Denzel Burke who comes with above-average ball skills and is good at mirroring his opponent in coverage. — Andrew BR
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24. Los Angeles Chargers: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Austin Ekeler may be set to play out the 2023 season in a Chargers uniform, but trade talks could rekindle at any point. Henderson would allow the Bolts to restart at the position, bringing a speed threat to the backfield. — Andrew BR
25. Buffalo Bills: Cole Bishop, S, Utah
Both Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are 32, will be 33 by next year, and the Bills need to start planning for the future. Getting more help in the secondary should already be a priority, and Bishop does it all. He’s a big hitter who flies around the field, covering receivers and tight ends while also being able to make an impact near the line of scrimmage. — Andrew BR
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26. Miami Dolphins: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
Keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright should be Miami’s top priority. Donovan Jackson would help the Dolphins reinforce the interior offensive line. Jackson has the strength to push the pile and does a fine job of forming a wall in pass protection. — Andrew BR
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27. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
This isn’t so much of a need pick as much as it is just getting Joe Burrow an abundance of weapons. Sanders is a high-rate possession receiver with great hands. Once he gets the ball, Sanders is a menace, making defenders miss with his elusiveness and running over them with his strength.— Andrew BR
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28. Dallas Cowboys: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Just like their other former Alabama cornerback with good ball skills (Trevon Diggs), Terrion Arnold would give the Cowboys another playmaker in the secondary. Arnold changes directions well and does a good job of keeping his opponent in front of him in coverage. — Andrew BR
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29. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ): Calen Bullock, S, USC
Calen Bullock is the type of defender talent evaluators dream about. He’s 6-foot-3, has long arms, and has plenty of speed for the safety position. While his size might make some think he’s better in the box, Bullock’s strengths actually come in coverage, where his advanced ball skills make him a weapon. — Andrew BR
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30. San Francisco 49ers: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Not only are the 49ers still trying to find a long-term replacement for Mike McGlinchey, they also need to worry about replacing Trent Williams when he eventually retires. Kingsley Suamataia can be a day-one starter on either end of the line. — Andrew BR
Related: NFL insider predicts surprising San Francisco 49ers starting QB in 2024
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami (FL)
Even if Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson may not need replacing, Howie Roseman always thinks two steps ahead. Zion Nelson can be the next Eagles lineman who has time to grow into a starter, but he could likely fill a spot in the lineup right now. — Andrew BR
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32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
The son of a former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker, Junior isn’t the biggest or the fastest linebacker prospect. But he naturally has great instincts. Trotter plays quicker and bigger than he is, showing a versatile skillset that allows him to make an impact in coverage, as a blitzer, and in running lanes. — Andrew BR
