The 2024 NFL draft starts tomorrow and there feels like there is more up in the air than normal in this class. It’s not that no one knows mostly which players should go in the first round, but there a lot of ways the board can fall.
A lot of it is riding on how the quarterback dominoes and how the offensive tackle class end up falling. There are a lot of tackles and wide receivers, and people have them rated completely differently.
Here is our final full first round mock draft, featuring some surprising trade action:
1
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 02: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans throws a touchdown pass against the Tulane Green Wave in the second quarter of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on January 02, 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
There’s not much to say about Williams at this point that hasn’t been said before. This pick has been suspected for a while and has been pretty much confirmed ever since the Bears traded away Justin Fields.
2
Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 18: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels passes the ball during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
This is where things start to get interesting and competitive. Here, we have the Commanders going with Maye because of his arm talent. He has the makings of a classic franchise quarterback.
3
New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 04: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers warms up prior to facing the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Patriots end up with the more exciting player in Daniels. The Heisman winner made himself a lot of money at LSU this season as he wasn’t a first-round player entering the year. He is a dynamic runner and has a lot of potential as a thrower. The arm strength is there, the doubters will point to processing and consistent accuracy.
4
Minnesota Vikings (trade): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 25: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines plays against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TRADE
Arizona Cardinals receive: 2024 Round 1, Picks 11 and 23
Minnesota Vikings receive: 2024 Round 1, Pick 4
This is the type of pick that can scare a fan base. He probably has the tools to succeed at the next level, but never really got to show it in college. The Vikings desperately need another quarterback though, so they cash in on their two first rounders and hope that it works out.
5
Los Angeles Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) points a finger to the sky after a successful catch during the first quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Harrison is one of the best and safest wide receiver prospects that we have seen in a long time. The Chargers luck out that the Cardinals decided to trade out in this mock and end up with a franchise guy for Justin Herbert.
6
New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Oct 14, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates a run after a reception against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
We considered having the Giants trade up for a quarterback earlier, but instead they sit still and give Daniel Jones a weapon. Nabers dominated at LSU in a stacked offense, becoming the career receiving yards leader at a school with plenty of legacy at the position.
7
Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – OCTOBER 14: Joe Alt #76 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on against the USC Trojans during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Alt is your prototypical franchise left tackle. He’s young and has a great size/athleticism combination. He’s the type of player that you draft and then don’t have to worry about for a long time.
8
Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 23: Dallas Turner #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after tackling Jordan Watkins #11 of the Mississippi Rebels during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Turner is the most exciting, and first selected, defender in this draft. Some believe him to be better than his former teammate and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson. He’s ultra fast and was incredibly productive in college.
9
Indianapolis Colts (trade): Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) makes a catch during the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
TRADE
Chicago Bears receive: 2024 Round 1, Pick 15 and 2024 Round 3, Pick 82
Indianapolis Colts receive: 2024 Round 1, Pick 9
Odunze would be very intriguing for the Bears here, but instead they pick up another Day 2 selection in this draft and move down a couple of spots.
The Colts grab another piece for their offense and build out a wide receiver room that now holds two talented big-bodied players in Odunze and Michael Pittman.
10
Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Nov 18, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith greets offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) during senior ceremonies pregame against the Washington Huskies at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
Fuaga is the best right tackle prospect in this draft class. He’s a bit of a jack of all trades at tackle, good at pretty much everything you would ask for. He’s a mauler but also has brains and athleticism.
The Jets did sign some veteran tackles this offseason, but the Oregon State product ensures the position is taken care of for a long time.
11
Arizona Cardinals (trade): Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Mitchell is the Dallas Turner of cornerbacks. He checks pretty much every box, especially after dominating the competition at the Senior Bowl.
12
Denver Broncos: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
Nov 11, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Melquan Stovall (7) runs against UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-USA TODAY Sports
Latu isn’t the popular pick to be the second edge defender taken in the draft, but he does scream Broncos. He has some medical questions, but has been healthy and ultra-productive for the last two years of his college career. He is pro-ready.
13
Las Vegas Raiders: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 23: Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after an offensive touchdown during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Beaver Stadium on September 23, 2023 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
While Alt is the most sure-fire guy at tackle in this class, Fashanu might have the highest ceilings. He is ultra athletic and young, but can also step in on Day 1 to protect their quarterback. Another team finds their franchise tackle.
14
Cincinnati Bengals (trade): Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) takes the field before the SEC Football Championship against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
TRADE
New Orleans Saints receive: 2024 Round 1, Pick 18 and 2024 Round 3, Pick 80
Cincinnati Bengals receive: 2024 Round 1, Pick 14 and 2024 Round 5, Pick 175
The Bengals trade up to add more fire power to their offense and the Saints trade down to pick up a much-needed second Day 2 draft pick.
Browers is as much of a lock of a prospect that there can be, but tight end isn’t as valuable as other positions so he dropped a bit. In the right scheme, though, he can be very much worth trading up for.
15
Chicago Bears (trade): Johnny Newton, DL, Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 06: Jer’Zhan Newton #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at Memorial Stadium on October 06, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Newton is an exciting pass rusher from the interior. A lot of people have the Bears doubling up on top offensive weapons, but here they secure one of the best players in the trenches to bolster their defense.
16
Seattle Seahawks: Jared Verse, DE, FSU
Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks grab Verse and lock up one of their defensive end spots for years to come. He is as ready to compete in the NFL as you could ask for from a defender.
17
Jacksonville Jaguars: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Oct 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
There is some disagreement on whether DeJean should play at cornerback or safety at the next level. The good news for the Jaguars is that they could use him at either position and just give him the best chance to succeed with his skill set.
18
New Orleans Saints (trade): Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints are able to pick up another draft pick and still snag one of the draft’s top offensive tackles. He’s enough of an athlete to succeed wherever the Saints need him. That type of positional versatility is key when your line is in as bad of shape as the Saints’ is.
19
Los Angeles Rams: Byron Murphy, DL, Texas
Nov 18, 2023; Ames, Iowa, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) breaks through the Iowa State Cyclones offensive line to sack quarterback Rocco Becht (3) during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron E. Martinez-USA TODAY Sports
Murphy has an elite speed/strength combination that would make any defensive coordinator salivate. He is more of a run-first guy than Newton is, but should still have no issue getting to the quarterback.
20
Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) and offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mims’ NFL career could end up going any number of ways. He has some medical red flags and is super raw, but if he pans out he will be a dominant offensive tackle for a long time.
21
Dallas Cowboys (trade): Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold (DB02) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
TRADE
Miami Dolphins receive: 2024 Round 1, Pick 24 and 2024 Round 5, Pick 174
Dallas Cowboys receive: 2024 Round 1, Pick 21 and 2024 Round 6, Pick 198
Cowboys trade up for a great athlete to pair with Trevon Diggs. He also has some slot versatility that will let him roam around the defense and cover different types of receivers with success.
22
Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Sep 16, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina; Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter against Florida Atlantic at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK
Wiggins showed off his elite speed at the NFL combine with his 4.28 40-yard dash. That alone might be good enough for him to go in the first round for some teams, but he also has the other tools to secure his spot. The Eagles lucked out with him falling this far.
23
Arizona Cardinals (trade): Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals bolstered their defense earlier and now the trade down allows them to go after the best interior offensive lineman available in the draft. He likely grades out best as a center, but does have some guard flexibility.
24
Miami Dolphins (trade): Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Nov 27, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive tackle Graham Barton (62) celebrates a point during the first half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Wallace Wade Stadium. at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
Barton could end up at any number of spots at the next level, which is perfect for a Dolphins team that doesn’t have a lot of lineman that they would characterize as franchise players. He’ll give them the chance to put him wherever they need him the most.
25
Buffalo Bills (trade): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Oct 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
TRADE
Green Bay Packers receive: 2024 Round 1, Pick 28 and 2024 Round 4, Pick 133
Buffalo Bills receive: 2024 Round 1, Pick 25 and 2024 Round 5, Pick 169
The Bills take advantage of one of the drafts biggest slippers in this mock. Thomas has a great size and speed combo that led to him leading the country in touchdown catches. After trading away Stefon Diggs, Buffalo needs another top guy.
26
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) tackles Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Roman Wilson (1) in the fourth quarter in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
While he isn’t the best athlete at the position in the draft, he might just be the most pro-ready. He’s been starting in the SEC for three years, which is not something that Nick Saban took lightly during his time at Alabama.
27
Arizona Cardinals (trade): Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) reacts to a touchdown during the game against Texas Tech at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Now the Cardinals, with their third selection in the first round, grab an exciting receiver. They were able to pick up an extra first round selection and still get someone that people believe could become a great WR1, albeit not to the same level as Harrison.
28
Green Bay Packers (trade): JC Latham, OT, Alabama
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – OCTOBER 01: J.C. Latham #65 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates on the sidelines in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 01, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 49-26. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Latham is another one of these super young, super athletic offensive tackles but he is a little bit less ready for the next level than the other guys. The Packers could have him learn a little bit and cut down on the penalties. He’s pretty much everything you would want out of the mold of an offensive tackle, though.
29
Detroit Lions: Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
Oct 14, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Chop Robinson (44) celebrates following a sack on Massachusetts Minutemen quarterback Taisun Phommachanh (3) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Massachusetts 63-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Here is the first big shock of the first round. The Lions take the ultra-athlete edge rusher out of Penn State. Robinson wasn’t very productive in college, but it’s hard not to get excited about a 6’3, 254-pound guy that can run a 4.48.
30
Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars offensive tackle Patrick Paul (76) blocks Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive end Joseph Adedire (14) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Paul is another guy that could sneak into the first round based on how intriguing he is. He’s a mountain of a tackle at 6-foot-7, 331-pounds but does not sacrifice athleticism. It’s a bit of a swing as a lot of people like some of the more higher-floor guys left on the board, but it’s a swing that Baltimore can afford to take.
31
San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Oct 28, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking of the other offensive tackles, Guyton goes to San Francisco. He’s another very raw player that checks all of the physical boxes. He has only been playing the position since college, so the 49ers will have to give him some time to solidify.
32
Kansas City Chiefs: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Nov 24, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) breaks away from Oregon State Beavers defensive back Ryan Cooper Jr. (1) for a touchdown reception during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not the wide receiver that is expected to go here by many, but Franklin is a very intriguing guy that could easily slip into the first round. He’s tall, fast and runs very well.
