The moment has arrived: My 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 is officially here, and the excitement is through the roof.
As we dive deep into the pre-draft frenzy, I felt compelled to share my inaugural mock draft predictions before the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine shakes up the scene. The combine is notorious for sending prospects soaring or tumbling on draft boards based on their performance, and we can anticipate a flurry of draft trades in its aftermath.
Lucas Oil Stadium is set to be the epicenter of networking for the league’s top decision-makers and coaching staff.
Here is my first full 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Below we dive into a few notable picks.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
Please note that this mock draft reflects my predictions of the draft outcomes, rather than my personal choices for each team. Because who cares “what I would do” as we want to project what happens to take advantage in our fantasy football leagues and NFL Draft Betting Props.
2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye (QB – North Carolina)
The hiring of Kliff Kingsbury as the team’s new offensive coordinator has rumors flying that the Commanders will trade up to No.1 to select the USC quarterback. After all, Kingsbury recently worked with USC in 2023 as the team’s senior offensive analyst. I think QB is going to be the selection here regardless, but it’s no guarantee that Washington can seize the No. 1 pick from Chicago to select Williams. As a result, they take another QB.
A lot will be made about this potential QB’s fit in Kingsbury’s offense, but new GM Adam Peters will likely also have a large input on the future franchise QB. He’s referenced that his new home in Washington is eerily similar to his situation when he first landed in SF back in 2017 – citing the team needs to build through the draft.
In 2017, the 49ers also held the No. 2 overall pick but were very active with trades. Don’t be surprised to see them potentially trade DOWN for more assets. They could also be in the running for selecting the best non-QB, and then getting involved in the Fields sweepstakes themselves.
But if they stay, they will select UNC’s Drake Maye. The former Tar Heel tied a bow on his collegiate career with 62 passing TDs and 16 interceptions. Even after taking a slight step backward in 2023 compared to his elite sophomore campaign, Maye shouldn’t wait very long to hear his name called with scouts comparing his outlook to franchise QBs like Justin Herbert and Josh Allen. Maye’s odds to be the No. 2 overall pick are listed at -190 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Check out our full 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Drake Maye
12. Denver Broncos: Michael Penix Jr. (QB – Washington)
Russell Wilson is as good as gone in Denver, slating the team to select its next signal caller of the future with the 12th overall pick. This team is tied to Sean Payton, and he will undoubtedly have the final say when it comes to selecting his future QB over GM George Paton.
Payton elects to select Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. The 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up led the NCAA in passing yards with 4,903 yards. He is viewed as one of the most accurate passers in the draft class – boasting the fourth-highest completion percentage on intermediate throws (10-19 yards) in the draft class last season. He also had the third-lowest pressure-to-sack rate (7%) which further highlights his playmaking abilities.
Penix is currently listed with the 4th-longest betting odds to be the 1st quarterback selected in this year’s draft. +900 to be selected by the Broncos.
Check out our full 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Michael Penix Jr.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Darius Robinson (DE – Missouri)
The 49ers have gone defensive with their first selection in five of the last seven drafts. It’s truly a BPA approach, and therefore the selection is Darius Robinson. Yet another first-rounder DL to the 49ers.
Robinson played previously under Steve Wilks at Missouri in 2021.
He can fill the void across the defensive line if the 49ers are unable to retain Randy Gregory, Javon Kinlaw or Chase Young in free agency.
Robinson turned heads at the Senior Bowl in Mobile Alabama, so his draft stock is on the rise. Built like a house for an edge rusher at 6-foot-5 and 296 pounds with chops as both as a pass-rusher and run defender. Totaled 9 sacks and 42 pressures in just 12 games played his final year at Missouri. Also posted a top-10 PFF run defense grade.
Check out our full 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Darius Robinson
More 2024 NFL Mock Drafts
Here are a few more early predictions for the 2024 NFL Draft. We’ll continue to add our 2024 NFL Mock Drafts leading up to the start of Round 1.
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Matthew Jones (1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Russell Brown (1.0 | 2.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: PJ Moran’s First & Second Round Picks (1.0 | 2.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: Mike Fanelli (1.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Two-Round Writer Collaborative
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Picks & Predictions
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Top 20 Picks & Predictions
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Top 10 Picks & Predictions
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Early Picks & Predictions
- Early 2024 NFL Mock Draft with Trades: Picks & Predictions
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