The NFL season is rapidly passing us by. With only one month left of action and the college football season entering its bowl game slate, the 2024 NFL Draft is much more in focus. Here is a special one-round mock draft for you to feast upon.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
The draft order was set by the entirely free PFN Mock Draft Simulator.
We set out to project some risers throughout the draft process. We’ll continue to see underclassmen declare over the next month, but this one-round NFL mock draft locks the top talent across the country. Each pick blends what a team needs and how well the player fits.
1) Chicago Bears (From CAR): Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Chicago Bears can easily justify taking a top quarterback prospect at No. 1. Both Caleb Williams and Drake Maye have the talent deserving of this pick, and Chicago could justify wanting a fresh start. However, with Justin Fields showing real growth throughout 2023 and trending up, it might make more sense to use this draft capital to support Fields.
Fields and Marvin Harrison Jr. never played together at Ohio State, but the Buckeyes duo would be a seamless fit together. Harrison is an incredible player, boasting the skill set and high-end traits that will earn him All-Pro nods throughout his career. He’s a can’t-miss star.
2) New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Regardless of who is coaching the Patriots in 2024, there’s a ton of rebuilding to do with this offense. New England is in dire need of help at both offensive tackle spots and throughout its receiving corps. But the Pats can’t pass up a franchise QB.
Bill Belichick seems like the type to prefer someone who looks the part more than Williams’ shorter stature suggests. A team can’t go wrong with either Maye or Williams. Maye’s huge arm, bigger frame, and experience under center would endear him to the Patriots’ brass.
3) Arizona Cardinals: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Like Chicago, Arizona could very well keep its incumbent QB in 2024. Kyler Murray has struggled since returning from his torn ACL, but the problems in Arizona go well beyond him. Considering Murray’s youth and the huge financial commitment to him, Arizona should use its two first-round picks to build out this roster.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Adding a premier blocker or receiver would make sense, but reshaping this defense is the best route for head coach Jonathan Gannon. They lack the dogs needed to improve the 30th-ranked scoring unit, and adding the class’ best and most well-rounded edge defender in Dallas Turner is well worth this pick.
4) Washington Commanders: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Finally, with Dan Snyder gone, the Washington Commanders catch a break. While Sam Howell has produced some good moments, he’s looked like a former fifth-round pick too often to pass on Williams. The next regime in Washington would be insane to pass on Williams.
The most dynamic playmaker to enter the NFL since Josh Allen, Williams has everything needed to be a fantastic starter for years to come. His off-script ability is well-known, but his decision-making prowess and feel for the game are vastly underrated.
5) New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Giants are the first team to face the familiar question of whether to slightly reach on a QB or wait until the second round. I have them waiting, as they could land someone like Michael Penix Jr. later. Either way, a better long-term answer who isn’t Daniel Jones is needed.
Malik Nabers is an incredibly talented and explosive receiver who makes it worthwhile to wait on a QB. For as good as Harrison is, Nabers is a perfect fit in the modern NFL, thanks to his speed, route running, and versatility. He projects favorably to Stefon Diggs and Garrett Wilson.
6) Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
We could see Tennessee take its third quarterback in the top 100 in the last three years here, but building around Will Levis makes sense. He needs upgrades all around him, with left tackle being a particular problem for the unit. Joe Alt is the premier blocker of the class, making this pick a relatively easy one.
7) Chicago Bears: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Chicago added a top-tier receiver, and now the Bears help Fields again by solving the left tackle position. Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu is a top-tier athlete with the tools to be a mauling, dominant presence for years. He’s not as polished or consistent as Alt is, though, so it might take him some time to reach his incredible ceiling.
8) Las Vegas Raiders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
There’s no question that the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, Jayden Daniels, is an explosive star. His improvement from his freshman season to now is nothing short of incredible. His path speaks to his hard work, acumen, and talent.
Daniels compares to Kyler Murray as a prospect. If he continues improving his situational play, anticipation, and nuance in the pocket, he can be a great NFL QB. He’s not there yet, though, so there’s enough of a gap between Maye and Williams for some teams to opt against putting their eggs in his basket.
9) New York Jets: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Everything the New York Jets will do this offseason will be to support Aaron Rodgers. That has to include upgrading the offensive line, which has seen mediocre tackle play from Mekhi Becton and Max Mitchell. Adding the physically imposing JC Latham can go a long way.
Latham is one of the strongest dudes in the country and has quicker feet than most humans who weigh 330 pounds. As with most underclassmen blockers, his hand placement and leverage need improving. But he has the physical strength to overcome the occasional technical hiccup.
10) Los Angeles Chargers: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Maybe the Chargers will figure out they need to overhaul their expensive offense this spring for Justin Herbert to take the next step in his career. Replacing right tackle Trey Pipkins with an elite talent has to be part of that. Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga is second only to Alt in this class in terms of footwork, athleticism, and pass-blocking polish.
11) Atlanta Falcons: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Oregon QB Bo Nix had a similar trajectory in college as Daniels. He started as a wild child who couldn’t play in structure despite his great physical talent. Once at Oregon, Nix found his groove and developed into a high-level game manager who could sprinkle in some magic when he needed to.
Despite concerns of Nix being in college since 2019 and not breaking out until 2022, he has a strong arm, great field vision, experience in multiple schemes, and the accuracy needed to be a top-12 starter. Atlanta should love this version of Nix, and he’d make the Falcons a playoff contender right away.
12) New Orleans Saints: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The disdain that New Orleans fans have developed for QB Derek Carr is palpable, but the team is stuck with him for at least one more year due to the structure of his contract. Without a great developmental option on the board, adding more talent to their offense makes sense. It just so happens that the most unique playmaker in the class is available.
Drafting a tight end in the first round is risky, but nothing about Brock Bowers is normal. The fluid, explosive 6’4″ pass catcher will be a borderline No. 1 option for an offense from Day 1.
13) Seattle Seahawks: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Alabama has two terrific cornerback prospects in Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry. They’re very different players, though, so a team like Seattle might lean toward the former as they want versatility and more physical defenders. Arnold has done it all this year as an outside and slot corner, totaling five interceptions, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 11 pass breakups.
14) Los Angeles Rams: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
With only 29 sacks on the year, the Rams have struggled to overcome a below-average defense despite making a playoff push. Fixing their defense has to be the priority for this team to get back into contention anytime soon. Penn State pass rusher Chop Robinson has the blend of athleticism, size, and move set to be effective right away and continue improving in the future.
15) Arizona Cardinals (from HOU): Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
After adding the best EDGE defender, Arizona doubles up on its defensive front with the top interior defensive lineman.
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board
Jer’Zhan Newton is more than a handful as a penetrating tackle. His ability to wreck passing games and demand double teams in the running game has distinguished him from a deep class of competition.
16) Denver Broncos: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
A stickier, more man-based cover corner than his teammate, McKinstry actually projects favorably to Patrick Surtain II. The best way to beat Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert is to have multiple high-level defensive backs. Pairing Surtain with McKinstry would solve a huge long-term need for Denver at cornerback.
17) Buffalo Bills: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Buffalo needs to overhaul its aging, expensive, and declining defense. There’s not a more pro-ready pass rusher in the class than Laiatu Latu, who has been a sack machine at UCLA. He’s not a powerful presence against the run, but he has a deep set of moves and improved his quickness and flexibility in 2023.
18) Cincinnati Bengals: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Cincinnati wasn’t having the season it had hoped even before Joe Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury. Things will get more difficult in 2024 if the team doesn’t retain free agents Jonah Williams and Tee Higgins. It might be easier to replace the latter.
Rome Odunze would be an excellent addition if Higgins departs. Like Higgins, Odunze moves exceptionally well for his size (6’2″, 200 pounds) and is an alpha at the catch point.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The future of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ receiving room is in flux as both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are facing tough contract situations. Godwin hasn’t looked nearly as explosive as in years past, while Evans is producing like a madman with Baker Mayfield. It’s time for new blood, even if both players are back.
Florida State’s Keon Coleman was one of the big risers of 2023. The thrilling jump-ball specialist is similar to Evans as an athlete for his size and would allow this offense to create more explosive plays regardless of who is under center.
20) Green Bay Packers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
It looks like Green Bay might have developed another solid, if not better, QB for the future in Jordan Love. With the QB question looking solved, filling roster needs becomes more important. The offense is stacked with young talent already, so adding a cornerback would be wise.
Nate Wiggins embodies the Green Bay mentality. His high level of energy is infectious, and the 6’2″ corner would give the secondary more ball-hawking ability and length to rely upon.
21) Indianapolis Colts: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Although the 2023 season wasn’t the dominant campaign we’d hoped for Jared Verse, he’s still a good prospect. Verse doesn’t quite have the lower-body flexibility and sheer speed to overtake games, but he’s a strong, creative rusher with good athleticism. The Colts should love Verse’s tenacity and skill set.
22) Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Maybe the Minnesota Vikings will bring Kirk Cousins back despite his Achilles tear, considering how far in the first round they’ve fallen. Either way, a long-term answer is needed. Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy has to prove he’s more than a game manager, but his physical gifts suggest he can be very good in the right situation at the next level.
Minnesota has one of the best situations for any young quarterback to walk into.
23) Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Injuries and a scheme change put Denzel Burke into a troublesome position in 2022, but the Buckeyes cornerback has been stellar thus far in 2023.
A speedy, playmaking, and active player, Burke has the profile of a difference-making presence for the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary. His ability to play inside and outside and match any receiver’s athleticism has boosted his stock.
24) Houston Texans (from CLE): Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
How 6’4″, 195-pound Adonai Mitchell runs routes is astounding to watch. His flexibility and acceleration for his height are truly rare. Pairing him with another massive threat in Nico Collins and Tank Dell would give Houston an unbelievable young nucleus.
25) Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Week 14 was just another instance where a Chiefs wide receiver failed in a key moment. Kansas City has to fix its receiving corps, and getting a WR1 would be a game-changing development for the offense. LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. is raw, but his deep speed and massive 6’5″ frame is worth investing into for Patrick Mahomes’ sanity.
26) Jacksonville Jaguars: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Jacksonville has a roster good enough to go any number of directions here. With Emeka Egbuka on the board, going best player available makes sense for an offense that could use another reliable playmaker.
MORE: Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Egbuka gets up to top speed quickly, is able to separate easily from defenders, and continues creating once the ball is in his hands.
27) Detroit Lions: Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (FL)
The Detroit Lions have invested a ton into their defensive line but have little to show for it outside of Aidan Hutchinson. Leonard Taylor III could see a developmental path similar to Leonard Williams’, where his production fluctuated until his game became more consistent. Taylor’s quickness and upper-body strength are particularly impressive.
28) Philadelphia Eagles: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
Philadelphia might not want to admit it, but its strategy at linebacker has struck out. Edgerrin Cooper is a potential superstar at the position. Cooper has all the tools to be a fantastic player immediately, showing off sideline-to-sideline range, quick-twitch reactions, and great power.
29) Miami Dolphins: T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
Massive dudes who move well don’t grow on trees, and T’Vondre Sweat is one of the most impressive athletes in the class.
At 6’3″ and 346 pounds, Sweat eats blockers for lunch every Saturday. He has tremendous strength and surprising quickness for his size, projecting to be a solid nose tackle for a long time.
30) Dallas Cowboys: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The long-term outlook for Dallas’ left tackle position is questionable, at best. Protecting Dak Prescott must continue to be a high priority.
Arizona left tackle Jordan Morgan is as athletic as they come and can develop while Tyron Smith plays out whatever time he has left with the franchise.
31) San Francisco 49ers: Troy Fautanu, OG, Washington
Washington left tackle Troy Fautanu will likely move inside at the next level and round out a dominant offensive line if he ends up in San Francisco.
He’s a nasty and effective blocker in all phases. In fact, pairing him with Trent Williams might be illegal.
32) Baltimore Ravens: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
There’s no way to watch Ohio State without noticing Tyleik Williams wrecking games for opposing offenses. The 320-pounder can be too aggressive sometimes, but his physical prowess and quickness are worth banking on.
Baltimore is the perfect team to bring the best out of the big man.