Entering NFL Week 15, only one team has clinched a playoff spot. Two teams have already been eliminated from postseason contention. That means that the other 29 teams are either making a final push for the playoffs, or the fanbases are already googling 2024 NFL mock drafts.
We know the 2024 NFL Draft order changes from week to week, and where a prospect is graded right now will surely change between now and April, especially with the NFL Scouting Combine. Yet, mock drafts in December are all about projecting possible first-round picks right now. Down below, you’ll find first-round projections for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Here’s a look at Sportsnaut’s latest 2024 NFL mock draft in Week 15.
Related: NFL reporter addresses potential off-field worries with Caleb Williams
2024 NFL mock draft: Round 1 projection
1. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Leading off our 2024 NFL mock draft, it’s the easiest selection, The best way to build a successful franchise is around a star-caliber quarterback on a rookie contract and Caleb Williams checks that box. Pair him with a brilliant mind (such as Ben Johnson as head coach), trade Justin Fields for draft picks and you have a Chicago Bears team ready to win the NFC North in 2024. – Matt Johnson
Related: Top 10 college football quarterbacks today
2. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Not having a franchise QB may have doomed Bill Belichick’s post-TB12 time with the Patriots. Whoever’s making decisions in New England on draft day can’t afford to make the same mistakes. Drake Maye is the player fans want Mac Jones to be. Make plays off-schedule? Check. Enough arm strength to cut through the Foxborough wind? Check. Any way you look at it, Maye, would be a massive improvement under center. – Andrew Buller-Russ
3. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Kyler Murray has shown enough to be the Arizona Cardinals franchise quarterback, but he needs a supporting cast. Marvin Harrison Jr. isn’t just a No. 1 wide receiver entering the NFL, he can challenge for All-Pro status. Pair Murray with Harrison Jr. and the Cardinals’ offense will take flight in 2024. – MJ
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4. Washington Commanders: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
For much of the season, Sam Howell was on pace to shatter the NFL mark for most sacks in a single season. If the Commanders are all in on their former fifth-round pick, it’s time to protect him. Joe Alt can man Howell’s blindside, and his ability as a run blocker will help open up holes too. – ABR
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5. Chicago Bears: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Some of the best quarterbacks in NFL history had that No. 1 pass-catching weapon who they could always depend on in critical spots, Malik Nabers can be that for Caleb Williams in Chicago. Pairing Nabers with DJ Moore also provides the Bears’ offense with two complementary playmakers signed long-term, setting Chicago up for sustained success and potentially one of the NFC’s best offenses. – MJ
Related: 2024 NFL Draft picks by team, team needs
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Raiders can’t afford to go another year without addressing their QB situation. They may have drafted Aidan O’Connell in the fourth round in 2023, but he was always a long shot to be the future solution. Jayden Daniels has undergone an enormous amount of growth in his college career, and his dual-threat ability would bring a much-needed layer to the Las Vegas offense. – ABR
7. New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The New York Jets set themselves up to fail in 2023 by not addressing their offensive line, which can’t be tolerated next season. Ou Fashani isn’t just viewed as one fot eh best prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, he’s one of the best offensive linemen to enter the draft in years. Plug him in at left tackle and a 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers might have a chance to stay healthy next season. – MJ
8. New York Giants: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
We have yet to see the full potential of Darren Waller in this New York Giants offense, but the early returns have been ugly. The 31-year-old can continue helping the Giants stretch the seams, but he’s not the long-term solution at tight end. Meanwhile, Brock Bowers could complement Waller by providing Daniel Jones with another pass-catching weapon to help open up the offense for good. – ABR
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9. Tennessee Titans: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Tennessee Titans have had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL over the last two seasons, Nate Wiggins will fix that. When he played in 2023, the Clemson Tigers cornerback held opponents to a 44.4 QB rating when targeted, surrendering just 176 receiving yards on 18 receptions. He’s an elite coverage weapon and can be CB1 in Tennessee. – MJ
10. Los Angeles Chargers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Whether Brandon Staley returns for another season or not, the Los Angeles Chargers need to add more pieces to the defense. J.C. Jackson wasn’t able to live up to expectations as the shutdown corner Los Angeles desperately needed, but McKinstry can be. The 6-foot-1 defensive back would pair well with Asante Samuel Jr. in L.A. – ABR
Related: Los Angeles Chargers coaching candidates
11. Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Atlanta Falcons made some nice additions to boost their pass rush for 2023, but the results haven’t been good enough. Laiatu Latu is the best pass rusher in the 2024 NFL Draft and has drawn some comparisons to Pro Bowl edge rusher Josh Allen. An edge defender of that caliber is what Atlanta’s defense needs to take the next step forward in 2024. – MJ
Related: Atlanta Falcons coaching candidates
12. New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
If there’s a QB the Saints are really fond of, they’d have to be considered here, or maybe we’ll see New Orleans trade up. No matter what, this offense needs help, especially if a young QB gets a chance under center any time soon. JC Latham has a great amount of experience playing tackle against the best athletes in the SEC, and should have no trouble holding his own in the NFL too. – ABR
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13. Seattle Seahawks: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
The Seattle Seahawks still desperately need more help in the trenches and the last time they spent a top pick on an Illinois defender worked out quite well. This past season at Illinois, Jer’Zhan Newton (6-foot-2, 295 lbs.) registered 29 hurries and 8 sacks, proving to be one of the best interior pass rushers in the nation. – MJ
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14. Los Angeles Rams: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Aside from Aaron Donald, the Los Angeles Rams haven’t had a defender record 10 or more sacks since 2020. No wonder their defense ranks 20th in points allowed heading into Week 15. While the Rams have done a fine job generating pressure from all areas, getting Donald more help rushing the passer would only make life easier on the secondary too. – ABR
Related: NFL Defensive Player of the Year race
15. Denver Broncos: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
A physical, gifted wide receiver who is willing to play days after suffering a punctured lung, Sean Payton wants that kind of football player. Cortland Sutton’s future with the Denver Broncos is uncertain and Payton’s offense needs receivers who can get open. Odunze fits the bill perfectly. – MJ
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16. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
After adding Marvin Harrison Jr. with their first pick, Arizona adds another premier position here with an edge rusher. Chop Robinson is a freakish athlete who has elite flexibility and could develop into an annual threat to be the NFL’s sack leader. – ABR
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17. Buffalo Bills: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Even if Tre’Davious White returns to form in 2024, two season-ending injuries take a toll on a top-shelf cornerback and there were already signs of regression from him before the injury. Cooper DeJean is one of the best athletes in the 2024 NFL Draft and could be an excellent CB2 in Buffalo before taking over for White as the shutdown defensive weapon. – MJ
Related: NFL backup quarterback rankings 2023: Who has the best backup QB?
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Joe Burrow has suffered season-ending injuries twice in just four years of play since becoming the No. 1 overall pick. Either that’s an extreme amount of bad luck, or the Bengals just aren’t protecting their QB enough. Since neither Orlando Brown Jr. nor Jonah Williams look like the solutions on the bookends, the Bengals would be wise to continue adding blue-chip prospects like Kingsley Suamataia. – ABR
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19. Green Bay Packers: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
At a time when many NFL teams are struggling to develop high-end starters along the offensive line, the Green Bay Packers remain a development factory. Taliese Fuaga (6-foot-6, 334 lbs. He was outstanding in pass protection over the last two seasons at Oregon State and could start immediately at right tackle for the Packers in 2024. – MJ
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20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be in a similar situation this offseason as they were last near, with an uncertain future at QB. Or, they could just run it back with Baker Mayfield and get him more weapons. Yet, Mike Evans is set for free agency at the end of the year, and Chris Godwin the year after, meaning the Bucs’ wide receiver corps could look much different without reinforcements on the way. – ABR
Related: NFL QB rankings
21. Indianapolis Colts: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Emeka Egbuka didn’t have the season he wanted, but his talent still warrants a first-round selection in our 2024 NFL mock draft. Anthony Richardson is going to need more separators next season, creating early throwing windows and receivers with YAC ability are much-needed for Shane Steichen’s offense. An Egbuka-Michael Pittman Jr. combo will get the Colts’ offense cooking at even higher levels next season. – MJ
22. Minnesota Vikings: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
With Danielle Hunter set for free agency, there’s no telling who the top pass rusher in Minnesota will be next season. Brian Flores can dial up pressure, but even the Vikings’ DC is no sure shot to stick around. Simply put, the Vikings must invest into their front seven this offseason. – ABR
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23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Kenny Pickett just isn’t the guy for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As for Bo Nix, he was one of the best passers in the nation last season against pressure, throwing vertically and attacking the intermedia areas of the field. While he might not offer the highest upside, the Steelers’ standard is winning now and Nix is the best option if Pittsburgh isn’t going to trade up for a quarterback, which remains by far its best option. – MJ
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24. Houston Texans (via CLE): Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
A year ago we saw the Texans swing for the fences with the trade-up for Will Anderson, now he needs a partner in crime. Bralen Trice can be a day one starter in DeMeco Ryans’ defense and should help generate sacks while being a plus run defender too. – ABR
Related: Updated NFL defense rankings
25. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The Kansas City Chiefs have put themselves in a position where drafting a wide receiver in Round 1 almost feels mandatory. Adonai Mitchell be a tier-three receiver prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he’s a first-round talent. Standing at 6-foot-4 with above-average athleticism for his size, Mitchell could immediately be the No. 2 receiver in Kansas City. A Mitchell-Rashee Rice pairing also helps the Chiefs transition away from its reliance on Travis Kelce. – MJ
Related: 2024 NFL Draft order, picks by team
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL)
Entering Week 15, the Jaguars have allowed the second-most passing yards in the NFL. Obviously, that’s not ideal when you’re hoping to set yourself up as an annual Super Bowl contender. Kinchens has a nose for the football that shows up in coverage and at the line of scrimmage. The versatile defender would be a nice piece for Jacksonville’s defense. – ABR
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27. Detroit Lions: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
The Detroit Lions must come out of the 2024 NFL Draft with impact defenders. It came down to edge rusher or cornerback in this spot, with J.T. Tuimoloau being the selection. While he wasn’t one of the most consistent edge defenders in his last two seasons at Ohio State, his flashes offer a glimpse into his upside. Put him opposite of Aidan Hutchinson and Detroit’s pass rush can be a lot more effective. – MJ
Related: NFL offense rankings
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
Dallas Goedert will be 29 next season. Guess how old Zach Ertz was when Howie Roseman drafted his replacement? He was actually 28, a year younger than Goedert. What we’re saying is, even though Goedert still performs at a high level, the modern NFL offense requires two good tight ends to get the job done, and Sanders is a bit of a freak who can add another effective option for Jalen Hurts to find. – ABR
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29. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Terron Armstead is still one of the most reliable left tackles in the NFL, but his body is quickly breaking down. With Austin Jackson extended and holding down the right side, the Miami Dolphins need an insurance plan at left tackle. Barton can use 2024 as a development year and start when Armstead misses time. – MJ
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30. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Even after the injury to Trevon Diggs, we’ve seen the Dallas Cowboys maintain one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Why not continue to sharpen the iron with Tyler Nubin? The 6-foot-2 safety excels in pass coverage but also is excellent as a run defender too. – ABR
Related: NFL MVP odds 2023-24: Lamar Jackson gets back into MVP picture ahead of Week 15
31. San Francisco 49ers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The 49ers didn’t mind losing right tackle Mike McGlinchey a season ago, and seeing him get $17.5 million per season, moving on was the right call. But now it’s time to reinforce the trenches again, especially considering Trent Williams will turn 36 next season. Mims doesn’t have a lot of experience, but his natural strength and long arms could position him for a long career in the NFL. – ABR
Related: San Francisco 49ers’ Brock Purdy on NFL MVP talk: ‘What an honor’
32. Baltimore Ravens: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Even though the Ravens currently have the NFL’s best passing defense, a team can never have too many cornerbacks. Not to mention, Ronald Darby, Arthur Maulet, and Rock Ya-Sin are all on a one-year contract, meaning Baltimore may run into a lack of depth at cornerback this offseason. Drafting Kalen King could give the Ravens a future starter at the position, and with youngsters like Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion Williams waiting in the wings, the rookie wouldn’t be forced into action right away. Unless he’s too good not to play. – ABR
