NFL mock draft 2024: The full first round, post-Super Bowl
Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Brock Bowers and other prospects are expected to be among the top picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, which will begins on April 25 in Detroit. But which teams will pick them? And with both the Jets and Giants picking in the top 10, what will they do?
With the offseason officially underway, here’s our post-Super Bowl mock draft of the full first round.
1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Do the Bears still view Justin Fields as their answer at quarterback? If not, they could pivot to Caleb Williams, who has flashed an elite arm and an uncanny ability to turn broken plays into ones that lead SportsCenter’s Top 10 lists.
2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
With new ownership and a new coaching staff, expect a new quarterback in Washington. Drake Maye has ideal size (6-4, 232), arm strength, accuracy, awareness and mobility to extend plays.
3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Neither Mac Jones nor Bailey Zappe appear to be the answer in Foxborough. Heisman winner Jayden Daniels can make plays on the run and has a big arm with a quick release.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
If three QBs go in the first three picks, Arizona may run this pick up to the podium about as fast as Marvin Harrison Jr. runs by defenders. The son of the Pro Football Hall of Famer is a complete player with the size, speed, hands, physicality and agility to make an instant impact as an X receiver.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Chargers have needs at virtually every position not named quarterback, edge rusher or safety. Brock Bowers may be the most talked-about tight end prospect since Kyle Pitts, and for good reason: he’s as well-rounded as they come.
6. Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
There’s a chance one of the top three quarterbacks could be available to the Giants here, but that would depend on a few outside factors, namely the Bears going receiver at No. 1 and no other QB-needy teams trading up (with, say, the Cardinals). If they do miss out (or if they have faith in Daniel Jones to return to 2022 form post-injury), the focus should turn to either bolstering the offensive line or adding a big-time playmaker at receiver. Malik Nabers was Jayden Daniels' top target at LSU (89 catches, 1,569 receiving yards, 14 receiving touchdowns in 2023). His explosiveness, yards-after-catch ability and versatility may remind Giants fans of the last Tigers wideout they drafted: Odell Beckham Jr.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, T, Notre Dame
Getting help for Will Levis should be a priority, whether it’s adding a running mate for DeAndre Hopkins at receiver or strengthening the offensive line. Joe Alt, the son of former Pro Bowl tackle John Alt, is very athletic for a 6-8, 322-pound tackle (thanks to his days as a tight end in high school), and it shows up in his pass-protection footwork.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Jared Verse, Edge rusher, Florida State
Assuming the Falcons address their QB needs elsewhere (maybe a homecoming for Georgia native Justin Fields, perhaps?), they could give defensive-minded head coach Raheem Morris a new pass-rushing toy. Jared Verse is an explosive rusher who converts speed to power very well.
9. Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Whether it’s Fields or a rookie at QB in 2024, the Bears need another receiver opposite DJ Moore. The 6-3, 215-pound Rome Odunze uses his frame, catch radius and ball skills to make contested catches look easy.
10. Jets: Taliese Fuaga, T, Oregon State
The Jets need to make sure Aaron Rodgers stays on the field for more than four snaps in 2024. That process begins by rebuilding an offensive line that had 13 different starting combinations in 17 games and likely will see Mekhi Becton leave in free agency. Taliese Fuaga is a very Joe Douglas-esque pick: The 6-6, 334-pounder is a mauler in the run game who is always looking for the next defender to pancake, and he has the balance to handle quicker pass-rushers as well. He also can play inside at guard if needed.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner, Edge rusher, Alabama
The Vikings may need to replenish their pass-rushing corps, especially if Danielle Hunter gets a big payday elsewhere. Dallas Turner is very athletic, with the speed and acceleration to quickly get into the backfield.
12. Denver Broncos: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Russell Wilson likely is on his way out of Denver after being benched late in the season. J.J. McCarthy didn’t put up monster stats at Michigan, but he has a strong arm, is quick to process and can extend plays with his legs.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
The Raiders could roll with Aidan O’Connell for one more year and address the interior defensive line here. Jer’Zhan Newton is on the smaller side for a defensive tackle at 6-2, 295 pounds, but he is very disruptive in the passing game.
14. New Orleans Saints: Olu Fashanu, T, Penn State
The Saints benched former first-round left tackle Trevor Penning after he struggled at left tackle. Olu Fashanu has the size (6-6, 317 pounds), strength and technique to excel in both pass protection and as a run-blocker.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Colts have plenty of pieces on offense, so it’s time to add some much-needed talent into the secondary. Kool-Aid McKinstry has aggressive instincts in press man coverage and excellent awareness when dropping back into zone.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, T, Washington
New head coach Mike McDonald opts to fix Seattle's offense from the inside out. Troy Fautanu played tackle in college but can slide inside to guard thanks to his toughness and athleticism.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
If Calvin Ridley leaves in free agency, the Jags will need to get Trevor Lawrence a new deep target. The 6-4, 215-pound Keon Coleman is a contested-catch monster with great downfield athleticism.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, T, Alabama
Jonah Williams is an impending free agent. JC Latham has more experience on the right side, but he’s an aggressive blocker with massive size (6-6, 360 pounds) and power.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Despite getting major contributions from some young players in 2023, the Rams really could use a No. 1 cornerback. Terrion Arnold is an athletic, versatile defensive back who isn’t afraid to mix it up in run defense.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Even after taking Joey Porter Jr. in the second round last year, the Steelers still need another lockdown corner. Nate Wiggins has great length at 6-2, 185 pounds, as well as the speed to match receivers downfield.
21. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, G/C, Duke
Both of the Dolphins’ starting guards from 2023 are impending free agents. Graham Barton can play any of the five offensive line spots thanks to his very balanced skillset.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa
The Eagles need help all over the secondary. Versatility is Cooper DeJean’s calling card. He can play outside cornerback, slot or safety, and he also can return punts.
23. Houston Texans (via Cleveland): Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
The Texans add a pass-rush partner for Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. Laiatu Latu is a well-rounded edge defender with great athleticism, but teams will need to look into a neck injury suffered while at Washington.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Amarius Mims, T, Georgia
Tyron Smith is 33 and an impending free agent. Amarius Mims (6-7, 340) is a massive tackle prospect with excellent power, yet he moves like a smaller, quicker lineman in space.
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan, T, Arizona
The Packers have plenty of offensive playmakers for the ascending Jordan Love. Now it’s time to protect him. Jordan Morgan can play left tackle if David Bakhtiari doesn’t return to pre-injury form, or he can slot inside at guard.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Baker Mayfield played admirably in his first season with the Bucs, but that may not preclude them from finding a long-term answer. Bo Nix shot up draft boards last season while showcasing an excellent arm and athleticism.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
The Cardinals could use more pass-rush help, whether it comes from the edge or the interior. Byron Murphy II is an explosive interior rusher who creates chaos up front with his strength and first step.
28. Buffalo Bills: Chop Robinson, Edge rusher, Penn State
Depending on how free agency and Von Miller’s legal situation shake out, the Bills may need a lot of edge help. Chop Robinson is more promise than polish at this point, but his combination of athleticism and flexibility is tantalizing.
29. Detroit Lions: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
A strong roster leaves few holes for the Lions to address. Quinyon Mitchell turned heads during Senior Bowl practices with his athleticism and ability to make plays in both press-man and off-coverage.
30: Baltimore Ravens: Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
Justin Madubuike and Jadeveon Clowney both are set to hit free agency. Darius Robinson is a long, powerful defensive lineman who can play outside at end or inside at tackle.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, G/C, Oregon
The 49ers don’t have too many needs, but some extra depth along the interior offensive line would be helpful. A Senior Bowl standout, Jackson Powers-Johnson can play either guard or center and is a very technically-sound blocker.
32. Kansas City: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Kansas City won the Super Bowl with a hodgepodge of middling pass-catchers behind Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice. Brian Thomas Jr. is a speedy downfield threat who can take the top off a defense or do damage after the catch on a crossing route.
Nick Klopsis is Newsday.com's sports editor. He often can be found studying NFL and college football film for his latest draft breakdown.
