It’s good to be back with my second mock draft for the 2024 NFL Draft! In this one, we won’t be doing any trades but we will be talking in some detail about how some rosters are structured. In addition to that, we’ll go over some scenarios that potentially could happen in the coming weeks. Here is my latest first-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Below we dive into a few notable NFL Draft prospects and where I think they’ll be selected.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Caleb Williams (QB – USC)
The main question around the Bears will be whether they keep quarterback Justin Fields or not. With the changes occurring to the offensive staff, it’s tough to picture the Bears retaining Fields. With that, the Bears trade Fields for additional draft capital and move forward with Williams. When watching Williams, there’s much to be desired due to his ability to create and operate outside of the pocket. He’s got a strong arm and can make high-level throws consistently due to that arm strength and his ability to throw on the run.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye (QB – North Carolina)
Certainly the Bears or Commanders could select Drake Maye but in this scenario, he falls to the Patriots. There’s much to be desired with Maye and it starts with the fact that he’s listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds. With no concerns in his size, Maye displays great arm strength and is able to fit passes into tight windows consistently. Additionally, he can operate off-platform and has shown he can withstand contact consistently as a runner with over 1200 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns in his career. Maye and Jerod Mayo could be an interesting and fun QB/HC pairing in New England.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers (WR – LSU)
Certainly I could see a scenario where the Giants consider a quarterback in this spot. That said, they’ll add another weapon for their current quarterback Daniel Jones. The more I watched of Nabers, the more I liked him. By taking Nabers, this gives the Giants a potential No. 1 receiver that their offense desperately needs. Nabers can win at all three levels of the field due to his tracking ability, route running nuances and how explosive he is after-the-catch.
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze (WR – Washington)
Passing on Marvin Harrison Jr., won’t be easy for the Bears but they get their potential franchise quarterback and give him a Day 1 starter at wide receiver in this spot. Add in D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet and this Bears offense suddenly has the weapons needed to find success in this league. When watching Odunze, he’s a physical receiver with the desired size to withstand contact consistently from NFL defenders. Additionally, he’s very fluid and has run-after-the catch ability.
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