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’s my latest full first-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Below we look at where I expect the top dynasty rookie draft prospects to land.
2024 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Picks & Predictions (2.0)
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.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB – LSU)
It’ll be interesting to see how these quarterbacks fall this year. One that is certainly on the rise is Jayden Daniels from LSU. He’s got the desired mobility to extend plays beyond the pocket but he doesn’t always need to do that. There are plenty of throws on tape where he stands tall and looks confident as ever in the pocket. The ball really jumps out of his hand when throwing it deep and he showed that when he’s got NFL talent around him, he can deliver positive results on a high level. He’ll need to get stronger to withstand the contact he’ll see in the NFL but seeing him withstand two seasons in the SEC is a positive sign for NFL decision makers.
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.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR- Ohio State)
The best player in the 2024 NFL Draft is Marvin Harrison Jr., from Ohio State, so certainly there’s a chance he’s off the board already. Until the Bears commit to Justin Fields or another quarterback (trade or free agency) with the No. 1 overall pick, it’s hard to imagine Harrison Jr., going first overall. After all, the last time we saw a receiver go first overall was Keyshawn Johnson in the 1996 NFL Draft. That said, Harrison Jr., is one of the best receivers we’ve seen during the draft process. For a player that is 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, his speed, fluidity and acceleration is some of the best I’ve seen. He tracks the ball well and consistently catches the ball away from his body. As the Cardinals hit the reset button on a variety of positions, they seem likely to retain Kyler Murray and adding a true number one receiver would do wonders for him.
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.
12. Denver Broncos: Michael Penix Jr. (QB – Washington)
It’s hard to say what the Broncos are prepared to do at quarterback but this offseason will be all about figuring that out. Sitting in a position to potentially draft a quarterback, I think the Broncos will attempt a move up for Caleb Williams or they’ll land on Michael Penix Jr. from Washington. He’s got a big arm and the ball pops out of his hand with plenty of velocity. Additionally, his mobility is a big-plus as he can extend plays beyond the pocket. He’ll need to throw with more touch and find ways to become more efficient when attacking the middle of the field but under Sean Payton, it could happen. Health and age will be a concern for plenty of teams but the Broncos should be prepared to win now and Penix could help with that.
14. New Orleans Saints: Brock Bowers (TE – Georgia)
One of the 10 best players in the draft, Bowers has elite playmaking ability. Felt like whenever Georgia needed a play, they put the ball in his hands. He consistently catches the ball away from his body and he has superior run after the catch ability for the position. He ends up falling in this scenario but he’d be a good fit in the Saints offense that already features Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Adonai Mitchell (WR – Texas)
It’s possible that the Bengals bring back wide receiver Tee Higgins on a new deal; but if they don’t, I think it would be wise to add another pass-catcher into the mix for Joe Burrow. One of the fastest risers up draft boards should be Mitchell from Texas. He’s a fluid receiver with good size, body control and long arms. Only 21-years old as a prospect, there’s potential that he blossoms into a stud next to Ja’Marr Chase and with Burrow throwing him the football.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Keon Coleman (WR – Florida State)
Even though the Cowboys have one of the best receivers in football with CeeDee Lamb, it still feels like they need another pass-catcher in their offense. Brandin Cooks is only on a one-year deal in Dallas and while they have Michael Gallup locked up on a long-term deal, he’s had three consecutive seasons with limited production. Adding a player such as Coleman gives them a well-built receiver that can play anywhere in their offense. He’s got very good ball skills and is able to run after-the-catch. Earning a borderline first round grade for me, it would be somewhat surprising if he didn’t end up somewhere in the first round.
28. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Legette (WR – South Carolina)
It feels like every year we talk about adding a pass-catcher to the Chiefs offense but this time they really need it. Rashee Rice has turned into a talented player for them as a rookie but Patrick Mahomes and this offense needs more. After the Senior Bowl, it wouldn’t be surprising if Xavier Legette shoots up draft boards. He’s a physical pass-catcher at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds with a skill-set that’s good enough to become an ‘X’ receiver. He adjusts well to the football and shows the body control needed to make contested catches on a consistent basis. He doesn’t change direction like other receivers so that could push him out of the first round but deep threat and red-zone ability makes him intriguing.
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