The new NFL league year officially begins today, and we’ve already seen a flurry of free agency moves in the legal tampering period. How has that impacted the needs of all 32 teams as they barrel toward the annual selection event? Our latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft assesses how the first round could stack up in April.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1) Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Whether the result of paralysis by analysis or character sabotage by the mainstream media, the question of whether Caleb Williams could fall in the 2024 NFL Draft looms larger than it likely should. The Chicago Bears don’t appear to be all in on Justin Fields moving forward, so snagging one of the most athletically gifted QB prospects we’ve seen is a probable move.
2) Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
New regimes don’t tend to allow themselves to be haunted by old ghosts, and while Sam Howell flashed his talent last season, he’s likely to be replaced under center. History repeats itself for the former Tar Heel as his successor at North Carolina comes off the board with the second selection of this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Drake Maye has the arm talent and football IQ to win in the NFL.
3) New England Patriots: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Mac Jones is gone, and Jacoby Brissett returns to Foxboro to steady the ship in Jared Mayo’s debut season as a head coach. While the New England Patriots should be considered a contender to take a QB here, it isn’t necessarily a done deal. Adding a WR who has proven he can elevate a mediocre QB room — like Marvin Harrison Jr. did in 2023 — could be a savvy move.
4) Arizona Cardinals: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
While Harrison has long been considered a “generational” talent in this class, there are whispers that the battle to be WR1 in April is closer than many in the media believe. Coming off an exceptionally productive season and with the scintillating ball skills that allow him to dominate defenses, Rome Odunze gives Kyler Murray a legitimate weapon for the Arizona Cardinals.
5) Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
A popular landing 2024 NFL Mock Draft landing spot for offensive tackle talent, the Los Angeles Chargers need to find the best way to weaponize Justin Herbert as the Jim Harbaugh era begins. There aren’t many more dangerous offensive playmakers in this class than LSU’s Malik Nabers, who brings reliable hands, a competitive nature, and field-stretching ability to the Chargers.
6) New York Giants: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The New York Giants’ acquisition of Brian Burns in the opening salvo of legal tampering gives the franchise a dangerous front. It’s time to ensure the offensive side of the trenches can hold up its end of the bargain. Joe Alt is a mammoth man with impressive technical refinement who can keep Daniel Jones safe this season and protect whoever becomes the QB in the future.
7) Tennessee Titans: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
With Will Levis set to be the future quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, this 2024 NFL Mock Draft looks to ensure his optimal chances of success. The offensive line is a clear area of need, and in a deep class, Olumuyiwa Fashanu is one of the best. The Penn State product is a technically savvy, athletically impressive, intelligently astute, ready-to-roll offensive tackle prospect.
8) Atlanta Falcons: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Atlanta Falcons locked in Kirk Cousins for an entire presidential term in the first major move of free agency, removing QB from their 2024 NFL Draft needs. However, there are plenty of other areas to address, and getting a lockdown cornerback of the caliber of Alabama Crimson Tide standout Terrion Arnold would be a stellar move to bolster their defense.
9) Chicago Bears: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
After a trio of WRs and a duo of offensive tackles, it’s consecutive Crimson Tide prospects in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, as the Bears return to the clock for the second time. Finding a pass rusher is a high priority for Ryan Poles in April, and after his incredible showing at the NFL Combine — not to mention his well-developed toolbox — Dallas Turner might be the first EDGE off the board.
10) New York Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Father Time comes for us all, and as Aaron Rodgers gets closer to the end of his career rather than the prime, keeping him free from injury should be priority number one for the New York Jets this offseason. Taliese Fuaga‘s stock hasn’t risen through the process; it’s just catching up to where it should have been all along. He’s a dominant run blocker and top-tier pass protector.
11) Minnesota Vikings: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Minnesota Vikings lost Cousins to the Falcons during the legal tampering period, putting QB front and center as the franchise’s offseason priority.
MORE: Top QBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Sam Darnold comes in on a one-year deal, but adding Jayden Daniels in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft gives Minnesota an explosive playmaker with the arm talent to hit deep-field shots to this dangerous WR room. You like that?!
12) Carolina Panthers: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Trade: The Panthers receive the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft; the Denver Broncos receive picks 33 and 39, and Carolina’s third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Brian Burns will be playing his football in New York this fall, and the Carolina Panthers waste no time in using the capital accrued from that trade to find a replacement in the 2024 NFL Draft. Laiatu Latu has already showcased the ability to parlay physical and technical development into eye-popping production, and he could easily become the best pass rusher from this class.
13) Las Vegas Raiders: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Does the arrival of Gardner Minshew remove the Las Vegas Raiders’ need to take a QB in the 2024 NFL Draft? No. Does it mean they don’t need to reach for one in the first round? Perhaps. That allows them to snag a playmaker at a legitimate position of need and add Quinyon Mitchell to buck the recent trend of taking big program players with questionable character.
14) New Orleans Saints: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
There’s no questioning that Brock Bowers is one of the most talented players in the 2024 NFL Draft, but his positional value could prove a sticking point. The weapon-needy New Orleans Saints halt his slide here, gifting the offense a game-changing receiving threat who can also give the offensive line a helping hand with his willingness as a blocker.
15) Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Trade: The Rams receive the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft; the Indianapolis Colts receive the 19th and 52nd picks.
The Los Angeles Rams haven’t made a first-round selection since 2016, and the excitement is too much for them in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft as they trade up with the Colts. It would take a special kind of player for the franchise to break the habit of a lifetime, and Jared Verse fits the bill there. The powerful, athletic edge prospect is set to be a dominant force in the NFL.
16) Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Upgrading the offensive line will be the main order of business for the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, with needs across the front five. Troy Fautanu is the perfect prospect for the franchise in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft — not just because of this location familiarity. A stout protector, his awe-inspiring power in the ground game makes him a versatile and dangerous weapon.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The Jacksonville Jaguars pounced into action on the opening day of the legal tampering period, announcing the addition of Gabe Davis to bolster the WR room. That shouldn’t deter the franchise from adding a playmaker who can dominate outside, which is exactly what Brian Thomas Jr. can do. He has the size, speed, and ball skills to emerge as a go-to guy for Trevor Lawrence.
18) Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Whatever the Cincinnati Bengals can do to support Joe Burrow must be done, whether that’s adding elite playmakers or keeping him healthy with upgraded protection. With JC Latham available in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the franchise opts for the latter, adding a big-bodied pass protector whose athleticism is surprising given his 6’6″, 360-pound frame but whose physicality is not.
19) Indianapolis Colts: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois
Trade: The Colts receive the 19th and 52nd picks in the 2024 NFL Draft; the Rams receive the 15th overall pick.
While the Indianapolis Colts retained Grover Stewart and have a decent rotation on the defensive interior, adding a versatile threat on the front like Johnny Newton might be too good of an opportunity to miss. His unique power and athleticism make the former Illinois defensive tackle a viable option to attack from multiple alignments, providing an additional pass-rush option.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Russell Wilson arrives in the Steel City with the hopes of Pittsburgh Steelers’ fans resting on his shoulders, at least for this season. Ensuring that the former Seahawks and Broncos QB has time to play in the pocket is essential for his success, and adding a pass protector of Tyler Guyton‘s caliber is a step in the right direction. His athletic savagery will fit perfectly in the AFC North.
21) Miami Dolphins: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Oregon Ducks center Jackson Powers-Johnson has had an incredible pre-draft process and has likely secured himself a first-round selection in April. His ability to plow lanes in the run game while being a stout pass protector should excite Miami Dolphins fans who are crying out for help on the interior of the offensive line. Don’t rule out any of the five OL spots being addressed.
22) Philadelphia Eagles: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Philadelphia Eagles’ biggest needs are in the secondary, with safety and cornerback open for upgrade. Yet, historically, it’s not an area that the franchise will address on the opening day of the draft, and this 2024 NFL Mock Draft stays true to that trend.
MORE: Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft
They also need offensive reinforcements, and Keon Coleman gives Jalen Hurts a big-bodied pass catcher with an exciting skill set.
23) Houston Texans: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The Houston Texans have put together a defensive masterpiece in the opening salvo of free agency, ticking off need after need from the front to the back of the unit. That approach should impact their draft strategy, reflected in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft with the selection of savvy route-runner and professional ankle-breaker Adonai Mitchell as a go-to weapon for QB C.J. Stroud.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Energizing an aging offensive line is seen as the key to the Dallas Cowboys’ strategy in April, but with a stellar class of protectors, Dallas can execute that vision on Day 2. What you won’t find there is a defensive tackle talent like Byron Murphy II, who can become a key component of the Cowboys’ defense with his viciousness in all phases and explosive pass-rush ability.
25) Green Bay Packers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Heading into this week, safety was seen as the biggest need for the Green Bay Packers, with Cooper DeJean a popular 2024 NFL Mock Draft selection for the occupants of Titletown. Free agency changed the focus, but the secondary still needs upgrades. Kool-Aid McKinstry gives Jeff Hafley a talented technician with top-tier ball skills for his first year as the defensive coordinator.
26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
After the departure of Carlton Davis to the Detroit Lions, cornerback becomes a glaring need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as we barrel toward the 2024 NFL Draft. Nate Wiggins gave the draft community a scare with his NFL Combine injury but is set to appear at the Clemson Pro Day, where he’ll once again display the speed that has rocketed his draft stock.
27) Arizona Cardinals: Graham Barton, OG, Duke
The Cardinals have defensive needs, but they’re doing a good job making moves to address them in the early stages of free agency. As a result, this 2024 NFL Mock Draft focuses on how they support Murray under center. Odunze was a good start, but now Graham Barton gives them a versatile offensive lineman with tackle experience and a potential guard profile for the NFL.
28) Buffalo Bills: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Already linked with a first-round wide receiver across the 2024 NFL Mock Draft landscape, the Buffalo Bills cemented that need with the departure of Davis to the Jaguars.
Giving Josh Allen a weapon like Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy would be unfair to the rest of the NFL. His record-breaking 40-yard dash time at the 2024 NFL Combine was eye-catching, but Worthy’s profile is more well-rounded than a simple speed-threat.
29) Detroit Lions: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Don’t allow the addition of Davis to dissuade you from the fact that the Lions need to upgrade the secondary in the 2024 NFL Draft. T.J. Tampa has everything you want in a first-round DB prospect, with his impressive length, decent size, and athletic profile that allows him to be fluid while possessing excellent range. His physical demeanor fits perfectly in Detroit.
30) New Orleans Saints: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Trade: The Saints receive the 30th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft; the Baltimore Ravens receive the 45th pick, and the Saints’ second- and third-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Amarius Mims lit up the 2024 NFL Combine — even when you remove the incorrectly attributed 4.33 seconds short-shuttle time. His athletic foundation and already impressive technical profile should make him an easy first-round selection in April. However, with limited experience, a fall is possible, and the Saints trade up to halt his slide in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.
31) San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The offensive line will likely be the main focus area for the San Francisco 49ers early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jordan Morgan was a highly respected prospect a year ago but has bolstered his stock further this year. An impressive technician with impeccable timing, Morgan has the agility to be a force in all phases of the game.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Patrick Mahomes could turn me into a Super Bowl-winning wide receiver, and I couldn’t catch a cold at the height of flu season. Nonetheless, the Kansas City Chiefs should seek to make their star quarterback’s life a little easier for the upcoming season.
KEEP DRAFTING: FREE 2024 NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Oregon standout Troy Franklin may not have maximized his opportunity at the 2024 NFL Combine but there’s no denying that the tape he’s put together while amassing 1,383 receiving yards at 17.1 yards per catch, with 14 touchdowns in 2023 is worthy of first-round consideration.
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!