NFL Mock Draft 2024

The NFL Draft is almost here, so it’s time to update our final mock draft.

We’ve considered team needs, player fits, and more as we try to project the first round of this year’s draft.

So without further ado, let’s dive into my 2024 NFL Mock Draft. If you’re interested in wagering on props, check out my NFL Draft odds and best bets.

NFL Mock Draft Round 1 2024

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Pick	Team	Player	POS	School
1	Chicago Bears (via CAR)	Caleb Williams	QB	USC
2	Washington Commanders	J.J. McCarthy	QB	Michigan
3	New England Patriots	Jayden Daniels	QB	LSU
4	Arizona Cardinals	Marvin Harrison Jr.	WR	Ohio State
5	Minnesota Vikings (via LAC)	Drake Maye	QB	UNC
6	New York Giants	Malik Nabers	WR	LSU
7	Tennessee Titans	Joe Alt	OT	Notre Dame
8	Atlanta Falcons	Laiatu Latu	EDGE	UCLA
9	Indianapolis Colts (via CHI)	Rome Odunze	WR	Washington
10	New York Jets	Taliese Fuaga	OT	Oregon State
11	Los Angeles Chargers (via MIN)	JC Latham	OT	Alabama
12	Denver Broncos	Dallas Turner	EDGE	Alabama
13	Las Vegas Raiders	Olumuyiwa Fashanu	OT	Penn State
14	New Orleans Saints	Troy Fautanu	OL	Washington
15	Chicago Bears (via IND)	Byron Murphy II	DT	Texas
16	Seattle Seahawks	Jared Verse	EDGE	Florida State
17	Jacksonville Jaguars	Quinyon Mitchell	CB	Toledo
18	Cincinnati Bengals	Brock Bowers	TE	Georgia
19	Los Angeles Rams	Brian Thomas Jr.	WR	LSU
20	Pittsburgh Steelers	Amarius Mims	OT	Georgia
21	Miami Dolphins	Graham Barton	OL	Duke
22	Philadelphia Eagles	Terrion Arnold	CB	Alabama
23	Los Angeles Chargers (via MIN)	Chop Robinson	EDGE	Penn State
24	Dallas Cowboys	Tyler Guyton	OT	Oklahoma
25	Green Bay Packers	Cooper DeJean	DB	Iowa
26	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Kool-Aid McKinstry	CB	Alabama
27	Arizona Cardinals (via HOU)	Johnny Newton	DT	Illinois
28	Washington Commanders (via BUF)	Jordan Morgan	OT	Arizona
29	Detroit Lions	Zach Frazier	OL	West Virginia
30	Baltimore Ravens	Jackson Powers-Johnson	OL	Oregon
31	Carolina Panthers (via SF)	Adonai Mitchell	WR	Texas
32	Kansas City Chiefs	Nate Wiggins	CB	Clemson

NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Picks 1-10

1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

The first overall pick is set in stone, with the Bears locking in their franchise quarterback in USC standout Caleb Williams.

The Trojans star is walking into one of the best situations for a first-round signal-caller in recent memory, so expectations will be high in the Windy City.

Williams will have plenty of weapons to help him thrive, including DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and D’Andre Swift.

I’d be interested in laying a bet on Bears odds to win the NFC North with this group.

2. Washington Commanders: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The popular pick for the Commanders is Jayden Daniels, but I’m going with J.J. McCarthy, who has been a major riser throughout this draft process.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters has kept this pick a secret, so I’m not sure why so many people are set that Daniels is the pick.

Back in March, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network stated that when he had conversations with other executives who knew Peters well, their most popular answer at 2 was McCarthy.

3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Ever since Tom Brady left the team, the Patriots have had a severe shortage of offensive weapons, so Jayden Daniels is the perfect fit as an infusion of talent in this offense.

The former LSU star is a dual-threat quarterback who can become the focal point of this Patriots scheme.

New England is still limited elsewhere on offense, so having a run-heavy offense centered around Daniels makes a lot of sense in the short term.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Marvin Harrison Jr. is a perfect fit in Arizona, who clearly need a wide receiver after letting Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore depart in free agency.

The Buckeyes standout will step right into the number one role in the desert.

Expect an immediate impact as Kyler Murray’s new favorite target, forming a strong duo with stud tight end Trey McBride.

5. Minnesota Vikings (via Chargers): Drake Maye, QB, UNC

The Vikings have a dire need at quarterback with Kirk Cousins now gone. While I like Sam Darnold’s potential in a Kevin O’Connell offense, Drake Maye can be molded into their long-term solution.

There is also an interesting connection here with Vikings QB coach Josh McCown having coached Maye back when he was in high school.

Minnesota can allow Maye to sit if he’s not ready, since Darnold has some starting experience.

6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The Giants desperately need a game-breaker on offense, especially after losing Saquon Barkley to free agency.

That makes Malik Nabers the ideal fit here, giving the G-Men another great LSU wide receiver in their franchise history, to go along with Odell Beckham Jr.

Nabers is an explosive target hog in the mold of A.J. Brown, providing Daniel Jones with a new top target as the team rebuilds.

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

The Titans have done a terrific job upgrading their supporting for second-year quarterback Will Levis, adding Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard to the offense.

Now they desperately need to bolster their offensive line, so Joe Alt makes a lot of sense here, since protecting Levis is imperative.

Alt would join last year’s first-round selection Peter Skoronski to form an impressive duo on each side of the trenches.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

The Falcons have invested three top 10 picks into the offensive skill positions, so it’s time for them to address their pass rush.

Laiatu Latu is widely considered as the most complete edge rusher in this draft, with medical concerns as the one negative here.

But the Falcons have a clear need on the defensive line, so look for them to bring in the former UCLA standout.

9. Indianapolis Colts (via Bears): Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Here we have a surprise trade up with the Colts looking to add a weapon for Anthony Richardson. This makes sense because there’s a good chance that the Jets would take Rome Odunze at 10.

Locking in Odunze would give head coach Shane Steichen an imposing duo on the perimeter to work with, putting Richardson in a good spot to develop as a passer.

The word is that the Bears have been trying hard to trade down from 9, so this move looks like a fit.

10. New York Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

The consensus pick for the Jets is tight end Brock Bowers, but I’ve changed my tune here, deciding to give them some help on the offensive line with Taliese Fuaga.

New York brought in tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, which is why Fuaga is the better fit, since he can kick inside to play guard.

Protecting Aaron Rodgers is essential, so solidifying the offensive line looks like the right move here.

NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Picks 11-20

11. Los Angeles Chargers (via Vikings): JC Latham, OT, Alabama

The Chargers begin their transition into a smash-mouth team by passing on a wide receiver to bolster their offensive line with JC Latham.

Latham can play right tackle, making him a good fit for Los Angeles, since they already have Rashawn Slater on the left side.

This is a 6-foot-6, 342-pound beast who would fit right into what Jim Harbaugh wants to do with the Chargers.

12. Denver Broncos: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

The best move for the Broncos would be to trade down, since they are lacking in draft capital with several holes to address throughout their roster.

However, it’s hard to find a trade partner for them in this spot, especially with the top four quarterbacks already off the board.

If Denver were to stick and pick, it would make sense to bring in talented edge rusher Dallas Turner, especially after they traded Bradley Chubb last year.

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Olumuwiya Fashanu, OT, Penn State

There’s a lot of smoke that the Raiders are interested in Michael Penix Jr, but we’ve seen quarterbacks fall in recent years — just look at Will Levis and even Hendon Hooker last season.

It’s possible that Penix could fall to Vegas in a spot in the second round where they could move up from 44 to lock him in.

For that reason, I’m going with tackle Olumuwiya Fashanu, who plugs in a hole up front. Fashanu may have some of the highest upside of the first-round tackles.

14. New Orleans Saints: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

The Saints took offensive tackle Trevor Penning back in 2022, but he hasn’t lived up to expectations.

This is why drafting Troy Fautanu makes a lot of sense, especially since the former Washington lineman is a versatile player who can kick inside at guard or stay outside at tackle.

Fautanu looks like a safe pick who addresses a major need for the Saints.

15. Chicago Bears (via Colts): Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

There has been a lot of talk that the Bears like Byron Murphy, which makes sense because the former Longhorn can bring some interior pass rush to go along with deadline acquisition Montez Sweat.

Chicago already traded for Keenan Allen, so devoting a pick to the defense looks like the right move, especially since they need to get better at putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

This is a defense that already showed improvements down the stretch, so look out in 2024.

16. Seattle Seahawks: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

There has been talk that the Seahawks could try to upgrade their offensive line in the first round, but don’t forget about the pass rush, which definitely needs some help.

Jared Verse is exactly the type of infusion of talent that new head coach Mike Macdonald can bring in to help out the offensive line.

The former Florida State standout can develop into an impact player on the edge for Seattle.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Jaguars desperately need to improve at corner, especially in a division with the Texans, who project to have one of the best passing games in the NFL after adding Stefon Diggs.

Quinyon Mitchell has good size along with 4.33 speed and excellent ball skills.

After losing Darious Williams in free agency, the Jags would be ecstatic to get Mitchell here.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

It’s tough to find a fit for Brock Bowers if the Jets pass on him at 10, so I’m projecting the Bulldogs stud tight end to slip right into the Bengals laps.

Bowers can make a major impact in the slot with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins taking up defensive attention on the perimeter.

If Higgins leaves after the 2024 season, Bowers would slot into the number two option in this prolific offense.

19. Los Angeles Rams: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

The Rams love to run 3-WR sets under Sean McVay, so it would make sense to add another playmaker here.

Brian Thomas Jr. is 6-foot-3 with 4.33 speed, giving him the ability to take the top off an opposing defense.

Bringing in Thomas a deep threat would help open up more space for Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. It would also put Matthew Stafford in a great spot to have a big year in 2024.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

The Steelers have a clear need at wide receiver after trading Diontae Johnson, but this is likely to be a run-heavy offense with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren leading the way.

Let’s not forget that Arthur Smith is the new offensive coordinator, and we all know how much he loves to run the ball.

Amarius Mims can form a nice duo with last year’s first-rounder Broderick Jones.

NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Picks 21-32

21. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Tua Tagovailoa is the type of quarterback that needs strong pass protection to thrive, so the Dolphins would be wise to bring in another offensive lineman.

Current left tackle Terron Armstead is getting close to retirement, so there’s definitely a need for some help here.

Graham Barton can play all over the line, but his best spot may be guard or center. This is a player who appears to be rising up draft boards.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The Eagles were held back by their secondary last season, making a corner like Terrion Arnold a nice fit to go along with C.J. Gardner-Johnson to complete the team’s offseason additions at defensive back.

Arnold has the upside to develop into an excellent cover corner, joining Darius Slay on the perimeter in Vic Fangio’s revamped defense.

While the Eagles always love to take offensive linemen, look for them to go with a corner, since seven linemen have already been taken.

23. Los Angeles Chargers (via Vikings): Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

The Chargers could continue to build the trenches here, this time on the defensive side of the ball.

Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are starting to get older, plus they have dealt with injuries. That makes Chop Robinson a good fit here, especially since he’s the top edge rusher on the board at this point.

Robinson is explosive off the edge, giving him upside to become a difference-maker on defense.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

The Cowboys just lost Tyron Smith to free agency, so they would be wise to bolster their offensive line and bring in Tyler Guyton.

The Oklahoma tackle can slot in right tackle, forming a strong duo with 2022 first rounder Tyler Smith.

Guyton can develop into an excellent pass protector, which is exactly what the Cowboys need.

25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Cooper DeJean would provide elite athleticism and some versatility to a Packers secondary that already includes Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Xavier McKinney.

The former Iowa standout has terrific ball skills, so he can slot in a safety to completely what looks like an impressive group of defensive backs.

Green Bay has shown a commitment to attacking their defense in recent drafts, a strategy that could yield terrific results this season, especially with new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Kool-Aid McKinstry would provide the Bucs with some much needed help on the back end.

This is a team that really struggled defending the pass last season, so bringing McKinstry would address a need.

The Alabama corner feels like the high-floor pick that Tampa really needs here.

27. Arizona Cardinals (via Texans): Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

The Cardinals already secured Marvin Harrison Jr. in this draft, so it would be a good idea to address the defense with their other first-rounder.

Johnny Newton can be a three-down, three technique tackle who can cause disruption on the interior.

This team desperately needs some help on the defensive line, making Newton a nice fit.

28. Washington Commanders (via Bills): Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

The word is that the Commanders are seeking to trade up from the early second round to lock in a tackle.

Jordan Morgan makes sense because he’s a versatile player who can start off as a guard before kicking outside.

I’m predicting that the Bills trade down because wide receiver is deep in this draft and they can lock one in on Day 2.

29. Detroit Lions: Zach Frazier, OL, West Virginia

Peter Schrager of NFL.com predicts that the Lions will take Zach Frazier, which makes a lot of sense because he fits into what Dan Campbell’s smash-mouth style.

Frazier is a four-time high school wrestling state champion, so you can see how this is a good landing spot.

This is an addition that would continue to form Detroit’s identity as a hard-nosed team that loves you exert their will on opponents.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon

Jackson Powers-Johnson can slot in at guard to help upgrade a Ravens line to allow new running back Derrick Henry to run wild.

The Oregon lineman is described as a tough and smart player that can also play center.

There is also a chance that Baltimore trades down here, perhaps to a team that wants to move back into the first to get a quarterback like Michael Penix Jr.

31. Carolina Panthers (via 49ers): Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

The Panthers badly need to add wide receivers for Bryce Young. While they already brought in Diontae Johnson, drafting another one like Adonai Mitchell would make sense.

Mitchell is 6-foot-2 with 4.34 speed, giving him the ability to make an impact downfield.

There is not much speed on this Panthers offense, so this is a natural fit. Carolina can make this trade up of a couple of picks to lock in a wideout who has slipped in this draft.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

The Chiefs would be ecstatic if Nate Wiggins fell into their laps, especially after losing L’Jarius Sneed in a trade with the Titans.

Wiggins has great length with 4.28 speed, allowing him to stay close to receivers downfield.

The former Clemson corner can slot in as an immediate starter for the defending Super Bowl champions.

The Chiefs were able to withstand the loss of offensive guard Joe Thuney in the Super Bowl, but they could use some help on the offensive line after Nick Allegretti departed in free agency.

Jordan Morgan can either slot in at left tackle or help out at guard.

Adding help in the trenches is always a smart move for the Super Bowl champions.

How to Create an NFL Mock Draft

Creating an NFL mock draft because not only is it fun to predict the landing spots of each rookie, but the preparation involved in this process helps expand your knowledge of the player pool.

Below you’ll read about some key points in my NFL Mock Draft prep.

Consider team needs

You want to make sure that you have a complete understanding of each team’s needs on their rosters.

It’s also important to prioritize positions that are more important, such as offensive line over running back.

Think about what each team has done in free agency as well because there’s a chance that they’ve already addressed certain needs.

Look at draft capital

It’s fun to predict trades in your NFL mock drafts. The best way to do this is to be mindful of each team’s draft capital.

For example, the Broncos have holes throughout their roster, but with only three picks in the top 121, it’s going to be difficult for them to make enough meaningful improvements.

In this case, it would make sense for the Broncos to trade down to compile more assets. This is why thinking about each team’s draft capital can help you as you try to project the draft.

Don’t put too much stock in your prospect evaluation

While it’s always fun to look at each player’s game film and prospect profiles, the most important factor when creating mock drafts is a team’s motive.

You’re predicting what you think a team will do, not what you believe that they should do.

So put away any personal preferences on certain prospects and think about how each player fits on a team.

Consider if there are any coaching connections

We often see NFL teams take or sign players just because their coach has a connection to them.

This could be an important factor when making a mock draft. For example, the Seahawks new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb held the same position at the University of Washington.

Since Seattle has a clear need on the offensive line, it would make sense for them to take Troy Fautanu, since he went to Washington.