Outrage runs rampant in the college football world thanks to the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. A controversial end to the season turns our attention to this 2024 NFL mock draft. Will there be drama here? We find out below.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1) Chicago Bears: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
There’s a good chance that the Bears trade down with at least one of their picks assuming they’re sticking with Justin Fields. If they want to build around him, they’ll have options. The Bears need a couple of things to help bolster their offense, and one of them requires Fields to have more time to make plays.
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Joe Alt stands out among the tackles in this class, literally. At 6’8″, his size is the first thing that jumps out on tape. Pair that with his elite pass blocking, and you’ve got an intriguing player for the first overall selection.
2) New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
New England’s in a good spot where they should be fine sticking with this pick. Trading up would require them to give up multiple picks, so they should feel confident with their two quarterback options. In this 2024 NFL mock draft, they take Drake Maye.
Maye’s shown that he can operate at a high level even when he’s not getting the best supporting cast. He’ll walk into a similar situation with New England, but he’s shown the ability to work with that adversity.
3) Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
If the Cardinals stick with Kyler Murray, then this won’t be the pick. Drafting Caleb Williams, though, signals that they’re moving on from their current QB1 for a bigger and potentially better version.
Williams is a magician in the pocket, frequently escaping pressure and making highlight-reel plays. From his arm to his legs, Williams was a nightmare to stop at the college level and could do the same in the NFC West.
4) Washington Commanders: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
There are a few picks that make a ton of sense based on attitude and prospects available. The Commanders’ defensive line needs to replace two big-time players on the edge, and they can start that process by drafting Dallas Turner.
Turner’s a bully on the field, often displaying his power and competitive nature to get after his matchup. He’s a physical defender who’s always looking to send a message, and the Commanders need an infusion of his talent and effort into their defense.
5) Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Good things can come to those who wait, and the Bears find that to be the case in this 2024 NFL mock draft. With their decision to stick with Fields, they turn their attention elsewhere and get another player who has the potential to go first overall.
Marvin Harrison Jr. may have played his last snap with Ohio State, but it’s for a good reason. He’s going to make a future team extremely happy, and he’ll do that with former fellow Buckeye at quarterback. Harrison’s the definition of a playmaker, and he’s proven time and time again that he’s reliable at the biggest of moments.
6) New York Giants: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Florida State continues reeling from being left out of the College Football Playoff, but they can look back on the season that was and be proud of what they accomplished. Getting Keon Coleman to come to campus is one of them.
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Coleman showed off his athleticism frequently for the Seminoles. From acrobatic catches to creating space in the open field, Coleman upgraded the Florida State passing attack. He now can do that with the Giants, and New York will love their new weapon.
7) New York Jets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
While the quarterback situation continues to be a hot topic, the Jets still need help protecting whoever will throw the ball for them next year — especially if it’s Aaron Rodgers. Enter Olu Fashanu, a guy who’s incredibly athletic and has yet to reach his ceiling.
Fashanu hasn’t had his best season to date, but the raw tools jump out on tape for NFL teams. The Jets have struggled the last couple of years to keep their tackles healthy, so Fashanu gives them another option if those problems continue.
8) Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Alabama sent a message to the college football world by beating Georgia, but they can thank their offensive line for leading the charge. JC Latham continues being the alpha of that group, and his power typically stands out over the rest. He brings good size to the Titans’ line along with an upgrade in talent at the position.
9) New Orleans Saints: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
New Orleans already has a solid combination of Michael Thomas and Chris Olave, but adding Rome Odunze would give the NFC South nightmares for a while. Odunze brings great size at 6’3″ and 215 pounds, but he moves like a player much smaller. He’s been the WR1 for the Washington Huskies, and he can do the same for the Saints next year.
10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Need a versatile weapon to give you options at multiple positions? Brock Bowers is your guy. While he didn’t look his best in the SEC Championship Game, Bowers is still an elite tight end capable of being a game-changer all over the field.
The Bucs offense needs upgrades at multiple positions, but it’s tough to pass up Bowers here. They do need a quarterback, but the team might not feel high enough on certain other options at the position to take them this high.
11) Las Vegas Raiders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
As long as Jayden Daniels learns how to slide in the NFL, he’ll be fine. Big hits and concerning injuries continue to be a topic of conversation when discussing Daniels’ game. It’s hard to fault his competitive nature, but teams will want him to slide more to preserve his career.
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Daniels is a Heisman finalist, and there haven’t been many in the history of college football that made the jump he did this year. He was fortunate to have a talented group of pass catchers around him, but he showed great improvement as a passer to help throw them open too.
12) Los Angeles Chargers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
McKinstry continues showing he’s an elite option at cornerback, and the Chargers are in desperate need of help in the secondary. Los Angeles struggled all year defending the pass, meaning it’s pretty obvious what position they’ll target in the draft.
Quentin Johnston’s drops continue to be a problem too, so wide receiver could be an option, but they might give him time to figure it out. Stopping teams remains a bigger issue, so the Bolts go that route in this 2024 NFL mock draft.
13) Cincinnati Bengals: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Daniels’ favorite target joins him in the first round, and the Bengals will love what Malik Nabers brings to the table. With Tee Higgins likely heading elsewhere, the Bengals need a replacement.
With two other big-time former LSU Tigers (QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase) already on the roster, Cincinnati dips back into the well for another elite option.
14) Buffalo Bills: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Not many have elevated their draft stock like Terrion Arnold this year. In the last few weeks, he’s been in the spotlight numerous times making plays. From pass breakups to interceptions, Arnold’s name keeps coming up in the broadcasts, and the Bills pick him up quickly thanks to his play.
Arnold’s game still needs some tweaks, but it’s hard to deny his talent. Throw in his aggressive and competitive nature, and Buffalo should feel that they can harness that energy into an All-Pro player.
15) Denver Broncos: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
This still feels like a great fit for both the Broncos and Jer’Zhan Newton. The Illinois star defender plays the game with a tenacious attitude, which is exactly how the Broncos play. The attitude fit combined with his ability makes Newton an intriguing option for Denver at 15.
16) Seattle Seahawks: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Seattle already has a Group of 5 star at corner, and they take another one in this 2024 NFL mock draft. After taking Riq Woolen two years ago out of UTSA, the Seahawks take another ball hawk with great upside.
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All Quinyon Mitchell’s done this year is elevate his game. Teams continue throwing his way, and he keeps punishing them for those mistakes. After producing 19 pass deflections in 2022, he’s added another 18 in 2023, and he increased his interception total to six for his career.
17) Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Rams don’t have to look far to find the future star edge rusher for their defense. UCLA end Laiatu Latu is just down the road, and he’s been putting on a show so far this year. Good size and length paired with some nasty pass rush moves make him a nightmare to block, and now the Rams hope he can bring that to the next level.
18) Arizona Cardinals: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
With Arizona locking in their quarterback of the future with their first pick of this 2024 NFL mock draft, they switch to defense for their next pick. Like Williams, Chop Robinson has put some plays on tape that make your jaw drop.
At his peak, his explosiveness around the edge makes any tackle anxious. When he’s timing snaps and getting a good jump, there aren’t many that can block him. Throw in good length and raw ability that can be molded, and the Cardinals have a potential superstar on their roster now.
19) Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Washington’s in the College Football Playoff thanks to Michael Penix Jr., but it’s his toughness that stood out most recently. Battling through an injury, Penix kept the Huskies’ undefeated season alive and helped them win the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Atlanta should love the toughness he’s shown because he’s shown that he can play through pain and still help his team win. When healthy, Penix shows great arm strength and accuracy to make throws anywhere on the field. With talent at the Falcons skill positions, this pick is a great fit for both sides.
20) Green Bay Packers: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Protecting Jordan Love continues to be a high priority, and the Packers might feel better about him as their future quarterback thanks to recent performances. The Packers offense has a lot of talent, but they need a boost up front.
Taliese Fuaga turned himself into a first-round pick, and he gives Green Bay a strong anchor who rarely gets beat. He’s shown great strength at the point of attack, and the team that gets him will have a potential Day 1 starter on their roster from this draft.
21) Minnesota Vikings: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
With Danielle Hunter set to become a free agent this offseason, the Vikings most likely look elsewhere for his replacement. Luckily for them, Florida State defensive end Jared Verse should be around when they pick.
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Verse brings good size and power to the position, and lately, he’s shown an extra gear. His team needed the defense to step up even more, and Verse took that responsibility and ran with it. He’ll be a great weapon for Brian Flores and the Vikings defense.
22) Indianapolis Colts: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
There’s plenty of excitement surrounding the Colts offense in 2024, but it wouldn’t hurt to add a few more pieces to the puzzle. Amarius Mims has top-10 potential, so the Colts drafting him 22nd in this 2024 NFL mock draft brings good value.
23) Pittsburgh Steelers: Graham Barton, OG, Duke
Pittsburgh needs help at multiple positions, and Graham Barton brings versatility to the line. He’ll most likely play center in the NFL, but he can play guard and tackle too. Pittsburgh gets an extremely valuable player with this pick, and Kenny Pickett should feel more comfortable with Barton up front.
24) Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Houston’s offense continues to wow the league, but it never hurts to improve. Quarterback C.J. Stroud reunites with his former teammate at Ohio State, and the Texans get a vertical threat to help Tank Dell do even more damage underneath. Emeka Egbuka might live in Harrison’s shadow, but he can shine just as brightly.
25) Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
If you liked what Kansas City did with Tyreek Hill when he was with the Chiefs, then you’ll love what they can do with Xavier Worthy. One of the fastest players in college football puts stress on a defense with his speed, but he’s become a good separator as well. He should adjust quickly to the next level with his speed, and he’ll love catching passes from Patrick Mahomes too.
26) Jacksonville Jaguars: Troy Fautanu, OG, Washington
Everyone’s attention is on Trevor Lawrence’s health, and it was another reminder that the offensive line could add another player or two. Enter Troy Fautanu, the Washington guard who’s going relatively under the radar thanks to his team’s success.
The Huskies passing attack and skill position players get most of the love, but the offensive line deserves attention too. Fautanu’s been dominant at times at guard, and the Jaguars get an upgrade at the position with him joining the roster.
27) Dallas Cowboys: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Keeping Dak Prescott healthy is a huge priority in Dallas, so adding a big-time player at tackle will ensure that continues. Kingsley Suamataia flew under the radar this year thanks to BYU’s struggles, but his game spoke volumes. He brings good size and a punishing mentality to the offensive line, which will help him earn a starting spot quickly in the NFL.
28) Detroit Lions: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Detroit’s in a great place thanks to Dan Campbell, and a few added pieces could make them a serious contender for the Super Bowl long term. While Jared Goff isn’t the long-term answer at quarterback, they’re riding with him until further notice. For now, they are looking at adding pieces out wide to help.
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Adonai Mitchell gets a chance to showcase his talent against elite competition in the College Football Playoff. One thing’s for sure: If Texas needs a clutch play, they’ll look Mitchell’s way. If he keeps it up the Lions won’t hesitate to take him with this pick.
29) San Francisco 49ers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
San Francisco’s defense feels like a great fit for Nate Wiggins. They’re a high-flying group that plays fast and swarms to the ball carrier. Wiggins is a fast player with solid length to make that defense even better, and his effort already matches that unit.
30) Baltimore Ravens: Cooper Dejean, CB, Iowa
While Cooper DeJean is healing from a season-ending injury, it shouldn’t affect his draft stock too much. The Ravens need help in the secondary, and they get a bonus of a punt returner with DeJean on their roster. The veterans in the Baltimore secondary will help get him up to speed quickly, and from there his natural playmaking ability should take over.
31) Miami Dolphins: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
Lost in Texas’ success is the emergence of Ja’Tavion Sanders as a potential first-round pick. Sanders brings good size to the Dolphins, but his play makes him a tough matchup to cover for any defender. As long as he can stay healthy, he will be a big contributor in the NFL.
32) Philadelphia Eagles: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL)
Philadelphia’s secondary has several veterans, which makes this pick solid. Kamren Kinchens is a ball hawk who’s been a force in the Miami secondary, and now he gets to do that for the Eagles. A defense that’s full of young and promising talent gets yet another player who will fit the vibe on this side of the ball.
