Welcome to my second mock draft for the 2024 NFL Draft cycle! I’ve already begun researching by using the betting trends from the 2023 NFL Draft and kicked off my prop betting card for the 2024 NFL Draft season.
This mock draft will feature trades. In all my mock drafts this cycle, the predicted trades will not contain all the details. I.E. only the core pieces of each trade will be shown. I think people get too caught up in trade details and can’t see the forest through the trees. Not to mention they’re nearly impossible to predict, so just enjoy the trades!
Kent Weyrauch has been in the top 10% of experts for the FantasyPros Mock Draft Accuracy Contest over the last three years.
- More 2024 NFL Mock Drafts
- Expert Consensus 2024 NFL Mock Draft
- 2024 NFL Draft Guide
- 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Profiles
2024 NFL Mock Draft (Round 1)
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams (QB – USC)
After the Justin Fields trade, this should be etched in stone. Caleb Williams going 1st Overall is down to -5000 on many books now, and there isn’t another option worth considering.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB – LSU)
There is a divergence between betting odds and many consensus big boards right now, but the books have Jayden Daniels as the favorite for 2nd overall at the moment. Last year for LSU, Daniels boasted 40 passing touchdowns and the second-highest passing grade (92.0) among all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) passers with at least 300 dropbacks, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). On top of that, he rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.
That being said, his pressure-to-sack ratio is reason for concern. This may scare some teams — or me — off this pick come draft night.
Some argue that a problem with Pressure to Sack % is it doesn't account for scrambles. I asked a PFF Data Analyst, who informed me P2S% does account for scrambles.
I pulled up QB pressures and removed scrambles when pressured to get P2S w/o scrambles to see what it looks like. pic.twitter.com/qAz0yL7twD
— Zachary Krueger (@ZK_FFB) March 22, 2024
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye (QB – UNC)
This was previously J.J. McCarthy but despite his recent steam in the media, I am swapping to Drake Maye. The Patriots made a mistake in Mac Jones and would prefer someone with Maye’s tools that can be refined for NFL purposes. Maye shows higher confidence in mid and deep throws, while still showing touch passes when necessary.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – OSU)
Slam dunk selection here for the Arizona Cardinals. There has been some chatter about the tiering of the top three wideouts this season. Even beyond name recognition, though, Marvin Harrison Jr. stands alone on his merits shown on the gridiron. His resume of over 2,400 receiving yards and 29 total touchdowns in his last two seasons speaks for itself.
5. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy (QB – MICH)
Trade 1 (core): MIN trades 11 & 23 for LAC 5
It will take more than 11 & 23 to leap the New York Giants — who could certainly still be in play for a quarterback — but as I mentioned in the preamble, you can use your imagination to fill in the gaps.
The focus of this trade is to land J.J. McCarthy, who has an opportunity to become the quarterback of the future for the purple and gold. The Vikings have arguably one of the best landing spots for a rookie passer, and the combo of Kevin O’Connell and Josh McCown should evoke McCarthy’s ability to excel in structure.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers (WR – LSU)
Malik Nabers’ 93.1 receiving grade topped all FBS receivers with 50+ targets. His route running is extremely crisp and his explosion out of breaks creates targetable separation. The Giants are in desperate need of a true top receiver, and Nabers is not far behind MHJ in terms of talent, if at all.
Malik Nabers was a slightly higher-rated recruit than Marvin Harrison Jr. coming out of high school. Both balled the hell out in the country's top two college WR factories. Marv won the 2023 Biletnikoff by *1* vote.
Maybe it's not the most ridiculous thing ever to prefer Nabers?
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 20, 2024
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt (OT – ND)
I was considering switching off of this selection based on comments from the Titans’ GM Ran Carthon at the combine, but after releasing Andre Dillard I don’t see how they can pass on the best left tackle in this year’s draft class.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Rome Odunze (WR – UW)
With Kirk Cousins under center and Zac Robinson guiding the offense, the Atlanta Falcons bring in Rome Odunze to play alongside Drake London and Darnell Mooney in Robinson’s 11-personnel-heavy offense. The trade for Rondale Moore is fine for depth purposes, but will be rotational out wide and could be used as a Cordarrelle Patterson replacement in some backfield alignments.
9. Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers (TE – UGA)
Trade 2 (core): LAC trades 11 & additional picks for CHI 9
After the Chargers swap firsts with the Vikings, they’re on the move again to jump above the Jets — who have also been connected to Brock Bowers. First-round tight ends have been sketchy at best in previous years, but Bowers is considered one of the best tight end prospects of all time. At Georgia, Bowers showcased his athleticism with elite yards after the catch and an aggressive catch radius.
Pretty insane that Brock Bowers was able to turn the corner and get the first down considering the situation when he caught the ball pic.twitter.com/EXVuXauPvC
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) March 20, 2024
10. New York Jets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT – PSU)
The Jets signed Tyron Smith at left tackle and Morgan Moses at right tackle, but both signings were 1-year deals and both offensive tackles are 33 years old. Not to mention that Tyron Smith hasn’t played an entire season since the 2015 season. Olu Fashanu has the traits to replace either tackle, whether that’s Week 1 or Week 8.
11. Chicago Bears: Dallas Turner (EDGE – ALA)
Trade 1 (core): LAC trades 5 for MIN 11 & 23
Trade 2 (core): CHI trades 9 for LAC 11 & additional picks
This would be a dream scenario for the Chicago Bears. As of today, the Bears have just four draft picks to their name. This deal would likely net them two additional selections in this year’s NFL Draft. On top of that, they get EDGE1 in Dallas Turner and his unique blend of speed and power.
12. Denver Broncos: Jared Verse (EDGE – FSU)
Last year, Jared Verse was mocked in the first round before returning to school where he put together a career-high 11 sacks, per PFF. The Broncos are in a quarterback pickle, but I don’t see Nix or Penix being drafted this early. If they’re looking at the best prospect available, then Verse checks many of those boxes.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga (OT – ORST)
While Thayer Munford Jr. has been decent for the Raiders after being selected in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft, I believe the Raiders could be looking for a more reliable upgrade. Taliese Fuaga was awarded first-team all-American honors during his Junior season with the Oregon State Beavers, where he allowed just 12 pressures and zero sacks all season, per PFF.
14. New Orleans Saints: Troy Fautanu (OT – UW)
In the secondary/tertiary tier of offensive tackles in this class, Fautanu is the only pure left tackle. With Ryan Ramczyk on the right side, this fit makes sense. He possesses the versatility to play left tackle or move inside for the Saints, though I’d still project him at tackle after his combine measurements come in stronger than expected.
Troy Fautanu is the snatch trap king of this class.
Has the most varied hand usage in pass pro at offensive tackle. pic.twitter.com/sJCCNshpIk
— Jordan de Lugo (@jordandelugo) March 18, 2024
15. Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold (CB – ALA)
The Indianapolis Colts will bolster their secondary with the first corner off the board — Alabama’s Terrion Arnold. He’s one of the best press-man corners in this class and is ready to start immediately in the Colts’ rotation.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Jackson Powers-Johnson (C – ORE)
Jackson Powers-Johnson moved around the line in his first two seasons with the Oregon Ducks but ultimately settled — and excelled — at center. In his final year, he allowed just one pressure on 497 pass-blocking snaps. The Seahawks desperately need some inside help, and Powers-Johnson can provide that anywhere on the interior.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinyon Mitchell (CB – TOL)
The Jaguars will fill one of their biggest needs with a corner who maybe fell more than he should. Quinyon Mitchell was easily one of the biggest winners at the NFL Combine this year thanks to his blazing 4.33 forty time. At Toledo, Mitchell provided versatile utility in coverage where he allowed more than 50 receiving yards just twice last season, per PFF.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham (OT – ALA)
This is a similar situation to the Jets, where the Bengals brought in Trent Brown at right tackle on a 1-year deal. However, Brown has struggled to stay healthy his entire career and is unlikely to be the long-term option. JC Latham was a stalwart starting right tackle for the Alabama Crimson Tide over the last two seasons, where he allowed just 26 pressures and two sacks on 960 pass-blocking snaps, per PFF.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Nate Wiggins (CB – CLEM)
It might be trendy to take a defensive tackle here in the wake of Aaron Donald’s retirement. However, they go with a best-player-available selection in Nate Wiggins. At Clemson, Wiggins showed off his elite physical traits and athleticism in coverage. His upside as a cornerback is likely the best in this class if he can hone his tackling skills.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims (OT – UGA)
Amarius Mims is a physical specimen. At 6-foot-7.5 and 340 pounds, he powered through a 4.33-second shuttle drill at the NFL Combine. The downside is he lacks the experience other first-round offensive tackles bring to the table. The Steelers absolutely need to replace Dan Moore Jr. as their left tackle. Even Mims’ low floor would be an upgrade for the black and gold.
21. Miami Dolphins: Byron Murphy II (DT – TEX)
I don’t think the Dolphins plan to start Benito Jones on the defensive interior this season. Byron Muphy is a stout run defender who also garnered six sacks last season. He’s also flexible enough to eat blocks at 1 & 3-techniques while using explosiveness to stress the passer.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper DeJean (CB – IOWA)
The Eagles know that Darius Slay and James Bradberry are north of 30, and it remains to be seen if Kelee Ringo can be a full-time player. To add insurance to their defensive back corps, they take Iowa product Cooper DeJean. DeJean boasts fantastic instincts and ball-tracking skills, which he uses to play as one of the most natural ballhawks of this class.
23. Los Angeles Chargers: Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – LSU)
Two LSU receivers in the first round. Nabers is an obvious lock to go in the first round but Brian Thomas Jr.’s 17 receiving touchdowns last season opened peoples’ eyes to his receiving prowess. He’s lightning-fast for his size and arguably has the widest catch radius of this entire class.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton (OT – OU)
As it seems to happen every draft cycle, the offensive tackles slowly rise to the top of the board. This leaves the Cowboys still looking to replace Tyron Smith with limited options. However, Tyler Guyton has prototypical offensive tackle size and experience at both the left and right tackle positions during his time at Oklahoma.
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan (OT – ARIZ)
Now that David Bahktiari is officially gone, this need becomes pressing for the Packers. Jordan Morgan is a five-year player for the Arizona Wildcats, three of which were as the full-time starter. He showed strides in his final two seasons in pass protection and while he isn’t a traditional mauling run-blocker, he uses his athleticism well.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Laiatu Latu (EDGE – UCLA)
After releasing Shaquil Barrett in a money-smart move, Laiatu Latu would improve their pass-rush situation immensely. Latu brings an extremely polished set of pass-rush moves to the table and has room on his frame to bulk up without sacrificing his 4.64-forty speed.
27. Arizona Cardinals: Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – ALA)
He should go first overall for his name alone. Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry was so elite at Alabama that opposing offenses targeted him half as often during his junior season on roughly the same amount of coverage snaps. They didn’t even want to try.
28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell (WR – Texas)
The Bills signed Curtis Samuel to a mid-range deal and also have Khalil Shakir, but still think wide receiver is a minor need. Adonai Mitchell was a schemed-up, do-it-all receiver for the Longhorns. His combo of size and speed is unmatched in this receiver class, and his upside makes for a solid pairing with Josh Allen in the coming years.
Adonai Mitchell is the best WR of the 2024 class in some key areas:
– Ball skills (hands, ball tracking, body control, contested catches)
– Red zone route running (see?️below)
– Athlete (9.99 RAS and 4.34 40 at 6'2, 205)The production wasn't great, but the film is impeccable pic.twitter.com/FSRYP9hazg
— Dynasty Zoltan (Mike Garai) (@DynastyZoltanFF) March 18, 2024
29. Detroit Lions: Kamari Lassiter (CB – UGA)
After the unfortunate Cameron Sutton story and eventual release, the Lions now have an even bigger need at corner than they already had. Kamari Lassiter might not have long speed, but his football IQ was incredible at Georgia. Last season he allowed just 136 yards and zero touchdowns in coverage, per PFF.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Chop Robinson (EDGE – PSU)
With the offensive linemen prospects drying up, the Ravens turn to the edge position. Chop Robinson’s 4.47 forty-yard dash had scouts talking at the NFL Combine and his in-game motor is second-to-none. He also possesses the ideal size to work as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Johnny Newton (DT – ILL)
On NFL Mock Draft Database, Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton’s peak big board rank was ninth back in January. It seems like some prospect fatigue might be setting in but his stock dip certainly wasn’t prevented by the fact he didn’t complete any drills or testing at the combine due to recovering from a foot fracture. Down at 31st overall, the 49ers would gun it to the podium to turn in this card.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB – MIZZ)
With L’Jarius Sneed traded to the Titans, the Chiefs now have a sizeable gap at cornerback. Despite a lackluster NFL Combine performance, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s football IQ, versatility, and experience will lock him into first-round selection.
2024 NFL Mock Drafts
Here are a few 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: Thor Nystrom (1.0 | 2.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Matthew Jones (1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Andrew Erickson (1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Kent Weyrauch (1.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Derek Brown (1.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Russell Brown (1.0 | 2.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: PJ Moran (1.0 | 2.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: Mike Fanelli (1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: Marco Enriquez (1.0 | 2.0)
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: Dennis Sosic
- 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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