Entering Week 16 of the NFL season, there are already six teams eliminated from playoff contention. Five of those six teams have their own first-round pick, meaning one lucky franchise is landing a top draft pick based on a trade made last season. Our latest 2024 NFL mock draft reflects the most up-to-date NFL draft order heading into Week 16.
The elephant in the room is the Carolina Panthers. Despite being the NFL’s worst team, they don’t have their own pick. After the Chicago Bears decide whether to draft a QB or trade the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, there will be several other intriguing decisions teams are forced to make. Here’s Sportsnaut’s latest attempt to project the 2024 NFL Draft.
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2024 NFL mock draft: Round 1 projection
1. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Bears could consider trading this pick for multiple future first-round selections, but the chance to solve their QB woes may be too good to overlook. Caleb Williams is the type of player who can help a GM mask other roster weaknesses, and the Bears could use that more than anyone. – Andrew Buller-Russ
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2. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
There’s nothing else to consider here, the New England Patriots need to take whichever of the two quarterbacks that Chicago passes on. Drake Maye is arguably an equal talent to Williams, but he doesn’t have some of the reputation knocks that Williams has. Maye would be the best Patriots’ quarterback since Tom Brady and New England would finally have a franchise star it could build a team around, while trusting Maye to carry the offense.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Now that Kyler Murray has returned to health, it’s time to get him some help. The Cardinals don’t want their small-statured QB scrambling for his life on every play, and having a receiver who could quickly win his 1-on-1 battles like Marvin Harrison Jr. could jumpstart this scoring attack. – ABR
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4. Washington Commanders: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
There’s strong consideration here for Jayden Daniels, with a belief that taking him No. 4 overall isn’t too early in our 2024 NFL mock draft. However, the Washington Commanders need to build a foundation first and foremost. Olu Fashanu is one of the best left tackles to enter the NFL Draft in years, offering an All-Pro ceiling at the position. Start in the trenches, then build up to a franchise quarterback.
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5. Chicago Bears: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
With USC’s QB packing his bags for Chicago, it’s time to get the Bears another new toy on offense. Acting in a complementary role opposite D.J. Moore, Malik Nabers can help open up this scoring attack by creating more separation than fans are used to seeing at Soldier Field. – ABR
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6. New York Giants: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Daniel Jones isn’t the answer, every season in his NFL career except the 2022 campaign demonstrated that. Jayden Daniels is more unpolished as a passer than Maye or Williams, but one could make a strong case that his ceiling is just as high. Take what Jones did for Brian Daboll in 2022 and multiply that with a stronger arm and better athleticism.
7. New York Jets: Joe Alt, LT, Notre Dame
Even if he was 100%, it’s probably best that Aaron Rodgers won’t return to the Jets this season behind what’s been one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Jets QBs have been pressured on 30% of their dropbacks this year, the highest rate in the NFL. Getting the best offensive tackle prospect in the draft is a huge win at No. 7. – ABR
8. Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Once Marvin Harrison Jr. comes off the board, Brock Bowers should be the top target for the Los Angeles Chargers. While the NFL comparisons to George Kittle might be a little rich, just because he might not be as well-rounded, he’s a superior tight end prospect to Kyle Pitts Jr. with a far better skill set for the position. Put Bowers and Keenan Allen together, Justin Herbert will thrive.
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9. Tennessee Titans: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Will Levis looks like Tennessee’s franchise QB, but he’s already running into the same issues that held Ryan Tannehill back during the latter portion of his Titans career, which is a lack of playmakers at the receiver position. DeAndre Hopkins is a fine stopgap, but the Titans need someone capable of creating separation, and Odunze can be the solution. – ABR
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10. 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
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11. Green Bay Packers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Usually, Jaire Alexander is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, but as Packers fans know all too well, he can’t do it all in Joe Barry’s defense. Alexander’s play has dropped off this season, which is a sign of how inconsistent cornerback play can be. But McKinstry also has the potential to develop into a shutdown corner, with the capability to make plays on the ball too. – ABR
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12. Las Vegas Raiders: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
While Bo Nix might not be one of your favorite quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, there’s no denying signal-callers always rise and the Las Vegas Raiders need hope. Nix is an excellent dual-threat quarterback with the touch and decision-making to be a starter. While he doesn’t offer a high ceiling, he could blossom with a coach like Jim Harbaugh.
13. New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OL, Alabama
The Saints have a cluster of star offensive talent but haven’t been able to thrive consistently. Getting Derek Carr more time to throw and opening more running lanes for Alvin Kamara should finally help this offense reach their potential. – ABR
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14. Denver Broncos: Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
Cornerback and defensive tackle, address those two positions and the Denver Broncos could have a top-10 defense in 2024. With Kool-Aid McKinstry off the board, Denver snags one of the best three-down defensive players in the 2024 NFL Draft class, with Jer’Zhan Newton able to improve the Broncos’ run defense and create an interior pass rush.
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15. Seattle Seahawks: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
After uncovering some gems in the secondary in recent draft classes with Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, now the Seahawks need to find Boye Mafe a partner in crime in the front seven. After racking up 27 sacks across three seasons, Verse might be the right one for the job. – ABR
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16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the pass rush to be a top-10 defense in 2024, but they lack the cornerbacks. Opponents are attacking everyone outside of rookie Joey Porter Jr., making cornerback a glaring need in this secondary. Nate Wiggins has some durability questions, but he might be one of the best defensive backs in the 2024 NFL Draft and he’d create a fantastic duo with Porter Jr.
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17. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
After securing a No. 1 wideout with Harrison, it’s time to get Jonathan Gannon a toy on defense. Chop Robinson can be the next great pass rusher in a long line of Cardinals standouts, reminding fans of Chandler Jones and Simeon Rice. – ABR
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18. 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.
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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Once home to one of the best pass rushes in football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered Week 15 ranked 23rd in pressure rate (19.8 percent) and the problems are getting worse. Dallas Turner could slide right into Todd Bowles’ system as a stand-up pass rusher, helping create more pressure opposite Shaq Barrett.
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20. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington
Chances are, Kirk Cousins is returning as Minnesota’s QB next season. While he’s set for free agency, the Vikings are best with Cousins under center, and he wants to retire in Minnesota. However, as the Vikings saw, having a contingency plan in place is never a bad idea, especially with a QB who turns 36 next year. Penix would be a fine understudy, learning the importance of quickly going through all his progressions from a QB who also won’t win games with his legs. – ABR
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21. Los Angeles Rams: Taliese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State
With a soon-to-be 36-year-old QB under center, the Rams need to do everything they can to maximize their window of contention. No matter what, this offensive line needs more long-term solutions. Fuaga can hold his own in pass protection, but the 6-foot-6, 330-pound lineman stars as a road-grading run blocker too. – ABR
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22. Indianapolis Colts: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Michael Pittman Jr. has proven he’s worthy of a contract extension, but that’s just about all the Indianapolis Colts receiving corps has going for it heading into 2024. Keon Coleman didn’t quite take that next step like everyone hoped for, but he’s a 6-foot-4 wideout who can be a starting X receiver as a rookie and be coached up into a Pro Bowl selection.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Josh Allen and Travon Walker are developing into a menacing pass-rushing duo, but the secondary needs to hold up their end of the bargain too. The days of Jalen Ramsey providing shutdown defense are gone, as Jacksonville enters Week 16 with the 25th-ranked passing D. It’s time to re-invest in the cornerback group with the addition of a lengthy, physical athlete like Arnold who has the tools to be a CB1 in no time. – ABR
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24. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The Cincinnati Bengals have to do a better job protecting Joe Burrow in 2024, not just because their Super Bowl hopes ride on it but because of the financial commitment to him. Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims might not be one of the most polished linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft, but his frame and athleticism make him an offensive line coach’s dream.
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25. Kansas City Chiefs: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Chiefs’ issues at the pass-catcher position have been well-documented, with Kadarius Toney being at fault for several blunders. Getting a quick route-runner like Egbuka should help bring more consistency to the receiving corps, but he won’t wow anyone with his speed. – ABR
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26. Houston Texans (via CLE): Leonard Taylor III, DL, Miami (FL)
The Houston Texans defense has shown some flashes under DeMeco Ryans and Will Anderson Jr. is a proven blue-chup talent. With that acknowledged, more talent is necessary in the trenches for Houston to boast a more consistent pass rush. Leonard Taylor III is the best interior penetrator in the 2024 NFL Draft and he’d be a nice addition for Ryans.
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27. Detroit Lions: J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Aidan Hutchinson is a building block on one side, but the Lions can ensure the Michigan native doesn’t face so many double teams with more help on the line. Tuimoloau profiles as a plus run defender who can also make an impact as a pass rusher. He’d help Detroit right away. – ABR
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28. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
The Philadelphia Eagles will need to overhaul their secondary in 2024, but James Bradberry and Darius Slay might be given another season. If both cornerbacks return, a standout safety like Tyler Nubin could help plug some gaps in Philadelphia’s pass defense.
29. Miami Dolphins: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The Dolphins have the NFL’s best offense, and the best way to ensure Mike McDaniel’s team stays on top is by investing in the offensive line. Fautanu helped Penix lead Washington to a high-powered passing attack in college, and now he can do the same for Tua Tagovailoa in Miami too. – ABR
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30. Dallas Cowboys: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs are an excellent two-man tandem at cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, but you can always have more quality depth at the position While Kamari Lassiter didn’t play a ton in the slot this past season, the 6-foot cornerback does provide the versatility to play closer to the line of scrimmage and he was one of the SEC’s top cornerbacks in 2023.
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31. San Francisco 49ers: Graham Barton, OT, Duke
Whether it’s preparing for the eventual retirement of Trent Williams or just to be an instant starter at right tackle, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the 49ers take an offensive tackle with their first pick. Barton may not stick at tackle in the NFL, but the 6-foot-5, 314-pound lineman has the size if the 49ers can make it work. – ABR
32. Baltimore Ravens: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Odell Beckham Jr. will likely only be with the Baltimore Ravens for the remainder of the 2023 season and Rashod Bateman hasn’t demonstrated enough consistency to believe in. Troy Franklin erupted this year at Oregon, averaging 17.1 yards per catch and the 6-foot-3 wideout could be a great big-play threat for Lamar Jackson next year and beyond.
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