With the NFL Scouting Combine behind us, we continue to take an inside look at what’s ahead with our next installment of the 2024 NFL Mock Draft series.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1) Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
As I wrote months ago in my 2024 NFL Mock Draft, Caleb Williams will be the selection if everything checks out on and off the field.
What we didn’t know back then was that he would decide not to go through medical testing during last week’s NFL Scouting Combine, so whether or not that’s a red flag for GM Ryan Poles remains to be seen, and it’s something we’ll be looking into as the weeks progress toward the draft.
Nevertheless, as multiple scouting sources told us, Williams is the best quarterback prospect available in years, and he remains the call for us with this first selection.
First mock draft selection: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Second mock draft selection: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Pre-Draft Needs: DE, QB, CB, OG
2) Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
While this team has one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines, they must address the future of the quarterback position.
From talking to coaches who have worked with him in the past, new OC Kliff Kingsbury prefers mobile quarterbacks who are a threat to run at any time (particularly in the red zone). Jayden Daniels fits that profile with over 600 carries in his five years of college football and 21 rushing TDs over the past two seasons at LSU.
One scouting source tells us that while Daniels opened some eyes and got on the radar of many teams with his 2022 performance, last year’s breakout season at LSU cemented his selection in the top five courtesy of his aggressive throws all over the field.
While he is considered slight of build for the position, our sources say that won’t prevent him from going off the board very high in this year’s draft.
First mock draft selection: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Second mock draft selection: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Pre-Draft Needs: DE, LT, OG, OC, S, QB, LB
3) New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Sure, the New England Patriots need major help at offensive tackle, but the future at the quarterback position must be addressed, and Drake Maye is the best “Tier 1” passer available in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.
A trade down isn’t out of the question considering how many future needs they have — particularly on offense — but as long as they stay here, Maye is the call.
First mock draft selection: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Second mock draft selection: Olumyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Pre-Draft Needs: LT, QB, CB, RT, TE, WR
4) Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
As one college scouting source told us last week, Marvin Harrison Jr. was his top-graded offensive player over the last 10 years. The sure-handed pass catcher would be an immediate starter for the talent-deficient Cardinals.
First mock draft selection: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Second mock draft selection: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Pre-Draft Needs: CB, OLB, OG, WR, DT, LB, OC
5) Los Angeles Chargers: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Los Angeles Chargers aren’t in dire need this year for edge rushers but certainly are for the future, due to the ages of Khalil Mack (33) and Joey Bosa (turns 29 in July).
A cornerback is also a consideration in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. However, the value of the selection may not justify selecting one this high up. Dallas Turner may have earned this level of draft capital after his scintillating NFL Combine performance.
First mock draft selection: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Second mock draft selection: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Pre-Draft Needs: CB, RB, DT, OLB, TE, OC, WR
6) New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
From talking to various scouting sources recently, they expect three receivers to go off the board within the top-10 selections, and it’s close between Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze in terms of grades when polling various teams.
So, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Odunze go off the board here instead of Nabers.
MORE: Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft
However, as we’ve written in previous mocks, the LSU pass catcher would be the team’s “X” receiver for years to come. They can address the other positions in free agency and as the 2024 NFL Draft progresses.
First mock draft selection: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Second mock draft selection: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Pre-Draft Needs: DT, OG, WR, QB, RB, RT
7) Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Tennessee Titans have one of the NFL’s worst rosters (see their future needs down below), so they could target several players here. However, they must address left tackle where they missed on former Eagles LT Andre Dillard last season, who wound up being benched.
Dillard signed a three-year, $29.1 million deal last March, but they can get out of the deal without owing him anything further if they move him off the roster before $6 million of his $9 million base salary for this season becomes fully guaranteed on March 17.
Joe Alt, according to multiple scouting sources, should be at least an 8–10-year starter at the NFL level.
First mock draft selection: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Second mock draft selection: Joe Alt, OT, Notre
Pre-Draft Needs: OT, OC, OLB, CB, RB, DT
8) Atlanta Falcons: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
When it comes to edge rushers, Jared Verse is clearly one of the top guys at a premium position, one that qualifies as one of Atlanta’s top two needs for both this coming season and the future.
As for the quarterback position and potentially trading for Justin Fields, we’re told that he’s not a good fit for the West Coast offense that new OC Zac Robinson will run. Fields simply doesn’t play with a good enough sense of timing for a scheme where the ball has to come out decisively and accurately — both considered weak spots for the fourth-year passer.
First mock draft selection: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Second mock draft selection: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Pre-Draft Needs: OLB, QB, CB, DT, WR
9) Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
We’re told that the Bears are planning to add at least two wide receivers this offseason, and this area is around where Odunze — who our sources say isn’t too far behind Harrison in grades from around the NFL — could be selected.
During our talks with NFL sources at the Combine, there was a growing sense that fourth-year WR Darnell Mooney would be playing elsewhere this coming season, which would leave the door open for adding Odunze here.
First mock draft selection: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Second mock draft selection: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Pre-Draft Needs: DE, QB, CB, OG
10) New York Jets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The New York Jets defense is one of the best in the NFL and is pretty set, but offensively, they have major concerns on the offensive line. Olu Fashanu, if he makes it to them, would be a Day 1 starter at left tackle.
First mock draft selection: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Second mock draft selection: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Pre-Draft Needs: OT, S, QB, WR
11) Minnesota Vikings: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The only clear thing Nate Wiggins has over Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell is the better level of competition he faced, which is why some teams see him as a little safer bet.
The Minnesota Vikings have a major need at cornerback for the future, and they’ll be able to fill it here with the speedy Clemson playmaker.
First mock draft selection: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Second mock draft selection: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Pre-Draft Needs: QB, OLB, CB, DT, G, S
12) Denver Broncos: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
From talking to various scouting sources last week, Mitchell has a realistic chance to be the first player selected at his position in the 2024 NFL Draft, and it certainly looks to be between him and Wiggins in terms of who’ll be CB1.
The only true knock on Mitchell is the level of competition that he faced, but that’s not something he controls. There’s a saying in scouting, “scout the player, not the jersey.”
First mock draft selection: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Second mock draft selection: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Pre-Draft Needs: DT, CB, S, OLB, TE, QB
13) Las Vegas Raiders: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
From talking to several scouting sources last week, they all agree that J.J. McCarthy — whether he’s worthy of it or not — will go off the board in the first round due to the scarcity of quality young players available at the position.
It seems from gathering opinions from several people recently that they’re divided on McCarthy’s college tape and how he projects to the next level.
MORE: Top QBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
However, we’re still expecting six quarterbacks to go off the board within the top 40 picks, and McCarthy, while his selection might be polarizing to some, likely will go off the board within the top 20 based on what we’ve heard in recent weeks.
First mock draft selection: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Second mock draft selection: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Pre-Draft Needs: QB, OG, OC, DT, RB, CB, DE
14) New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Saints still are in need of a left tackle and get one in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Taliese Fuaga is one of the top five players at his position for this year’s NFL Draft.
First mock draft selection: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Second mock draft selection: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Pre-Draft Needs: DE, S, WR, DT, OG, QB
15) Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
While he didn’t run all that well at the 2024 NFL Combine, Terrion Arnold’s very solid college tape will make it too hard for GM Chris Ballard to pass on him right here.
First mock draft selection: Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (FL)
Second mock draft selection: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Pre-Draft Needs: DT, DE, WR, CB, OG, S
16) Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
The word we got coming out of the Senior Bowl was that Byron Murphy II would be one of the high risers for this draft and that he would definitely go off the board in the first round.
Well, as time has passed, Murphy’s move up boards has happened due to more evaluation of his tape from last season, and now the only question left is whether or not he goes within the upper half.
The Seahawks, who are in major need of interior defensive line help, get to address that void with the talented Texas Longhorn.
First mock draft selection: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Second mock draft selection: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Pre-Draft Needs: DT, QB, LB, S, OG, OLB
17) Jacksonville Jaguars: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
An NFL Scouting Combine medical exam confirmed that Kool-Aid McKinstry has a right foot fracture, so he didn’t work out in Indianapolis.
Nevertheless, a source confirmed that the Crimson Tide cornerback plans to work out during the Alabama Pro Day later this month and then will have surgery afterward. However, it’s not known if this situation will impact his draft value—meaning if he’ll drop at all.
From talking to scouting sources who have worked with Jaguars GM Trent Baalke over the years, he prefers taller cornerbacks with longer arms, and the talented McKinstry fits that profile fairly well.
First mock draft selection: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Second mock draft selection: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Pre-Draft Needs: WR, OLB, OG, DT, CB
18) Cincinnati Bengals: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
While the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t great on the offensive line, they did improve in that area last season. The one missing piece for years has been at tight end, and if Brock Bowers makes it to them, he has to be the selection.
First mock draft selection: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Second mock draft selection: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Pre-Draft Needs: RB, TE, WR, RT, DT, CB, OG
19) Los Angeles Rams: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
The Los Angeles Rams need major help in their secondary, and the multi-talented Cooper DeJean would start immediately wherever they decide to plug him in.
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We’re also told by multiple scouting sources that the injury (fractured fibula) that inhibited him at the 2024 NFL Combine should not drop him much, if at all. He was always thought to be a top-20 pick and still should be.
First mock draft selection: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Second mock draft selection: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Pre-Draft Needs: OLB, CB, QB, S, WR, OG, RB, OT
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The nice thing about Troy Fautanu is he has positional versatility, and the Pittsburgh Steelers need help at tackle and inside at guard. And he’ll be a Day 1 starter if he lasts until their pick.
First mock draft selection: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Second mock draft selection: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Pre-Draft Needs: OT, CB, OG, OC, DT, S
21) Miami Dolphins: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
This is around the area we’re told by scouting sources that Jordan Morgan should start to become a consideration, and the Miami Dolphins have a major need for the future at left tackle due to Terron Armstead’s age (he turns 33 in July) and injury history (he has missed 20 games over the past three seasons).
First mock draft selection: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Second mock draft selection: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Pre-Draft Needs: LT, OG, S, TE, DT, LB
22) Philadelphia Eagles: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
The Philadelphia Eagles had the NFL’s oldest starting cornerback tandem last season, and sources said they will address this position hard either in free agency or the draft. Missouri’s physical cornerback, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is the pick for the future in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.
First mock draft selection: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State (Returned to school)
Second mock draft selection: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Pre-Draft Needs: CB, S, DE, ILB, RB
23) Houston Texans: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
We’re told Laiatu Latu‘s range of selection in the 2024 NFL Draft should be anywhere from 10-25, and this would mean Latu is a very good value at 23.
Should the team re-sign starting DE Jonathan Greenard, then we would go with an interior defensive lineman or cornerback with this selection.
First mock draft selection: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
Second mock draft selection: Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (FL)
Pre-Draft Needs: DT, DE, OG, CB, TE
24) Dallas Cowboys: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
With the left tackle position vacant for the future, the talented Amarius Mims is the direction for the Dallas Cowboys in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.
With that, they can keep Tyler Smith inside at guard. He was once considered LT Tyron Smith’s eventual replacement, but he has played so well at guard that keeping him inside may make more sense.
First mock draft selection: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Second mock draft selection: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Pre-Draft Needs: RB, LT, OG, DE, ILB, CB
25) Green Bay Packers: Graham Barton, OG, Duke
With veteran LT David Bakhtiari’s tenure with the team quite possibly ending after 11 seasons due to injury, the team must address the future of the position ASAP and they’ll do so here with Graham Barton, who has positional versatility.
Incidentally, Bakhtiari carries a whopping $40m salary cap number for the 2024 season, which is the last year of his contract.
First mock draft selection: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Second mock draft selection: Graham Barton, OG, Duke
Pre-Draft Needs: LT, CB, OG, RB, S, DL
26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Despite signing Mike Evans to a two-year contract, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could still target one of the talented wide receivers at the top of the 2024 NFL Draft, ensuring continuity of pass-catching performance for years to come.
While they take the speedy Oregon WR Troy Franklin in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, there is potential for the selection of an offensive lineman or defensive back with this pick if one they like falls into their lap.
First mock draft selection: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Second mock draft selection: Keon Coleman, WR, FSU
Pre-Draft Needs: QB, WR, TE, S, ILB, OG, CB
27) Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
A scouting source told us that after his outstanding Senior Bowl week of practices, Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson will go in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The two-time captain and high-character player lands with the talent-depleted Cardinals here, with immediate starting potential.
First mock draft selection: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Second mock draft selection: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Pre-Draft Needs: CB, OLB, OG, WR, DT
28) Buffalo Bills: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
We were told by multiple scouting sources — before his outstanding NFL Combine workout — that Chop Robinson should go off the board late in the first or early second. He lands with the pass-rush-needy Buffalo Bills in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.
First mock draft selection: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL)
Second mock draft selection: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL)
Pre-Draft Needs: S, DE, DT, WR, CB
29) Detroit Lions: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
The word around the team is that their offseason (free agency and NFL Draft) will be devoted to adding edge rushers and coverage players. Chris Braswell, who is coming off his best season at Alabama, would fit in nicely for the future of this team.
First mock draft selection: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Second mock draft selection: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Pre-Draft Needs: OLB, CB, OG, WR, DT
30) Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Veteran LT Ronnie Stanley has two years left on his contract, but he’s carrying very high salary cap numbers of nearly $24 million (2024) and over $26 million (2025) over that final pair of seasons due to past restructures. Plus, he’s owed $27 million total over those two seasons in just base salary.
And Stanley, who turns 30 years old in two weeks, has a non-guaranteed $4 million roster bonus due on 3/17 and has missed 32 games over the past four seasons due to injury. So, it’s probably time to address the future of the position. Selecting Tyler Guyton in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft would get that accomplished.
First mock draft selection: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Second mock draft selection: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Pre-Draft Needs: RB, DT, WR, CB, OT, OG
31) San Francisco 49ers: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
As we reported at the trade deadline, the San Francisco 49ers were trying to acquire and upgrade at cornerback opposite veteran Charvarius Ward but were unsuccessful.
So, with this selection, they’ll address that big need for the future with the underrated Kamari Lassiter.
First mock draft selection: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Second mock draft selection: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
Pre-Draft Needs: CB, DE, RT, DT, TE
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
WR Xavier Worthy is a consideration here as well, with multiple scouting sources telling us he was going to be a top-40 selection for this draft before his outstanding workout at the 2024 NFL Combine.
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However, Brian Thomas Jr. is still clearly the higher-rated player of the two, and he’s the pick in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft for the back-to-back Super Bowl Champions.
First mock draft selection: Graham Barton, OT, Duke
Second mock draft selection: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Pre-Draft Needs: LT, DT, WR, RB, TE, CB
All the 2024 NFL Draft resources you need — the draft order, the top QBs, the Top 100 prospects, and the full 2024 Big Board — right at your fingertips at Pro Football Network!
