Thanksgiving 2024 NFL Mock Draft: NFL intern predicts a surprise blockbuster at the top of the draft

The NFL Draft is a full-time occupation for many NFL executives. Each franchise has teams of scouts and analysts operating year-round, evaluating the next round of talent. I've recently had the pleasure of conversing with an upcoming NFL intern who gave me a fantastic, realistic first-round mock draft.

He is a true draft prodigy but requested to remain anonymous; I'll just call him A. A and the specific team he interns for must be withheld so as not to give away draft strategy. A. A did divulge that this draft is very deep at the DT position, but one genuinely elite DT prospect. Additionally, he stated the LB position is weaker than normal, so there will be a bit of a premium on quality linebackers.

An NFL Draft blockbuster to start the draft

A.A. surmises the Patriots will trade for the No.1 pick ; giving the Bears picks 3, 35, a 2025 1st and 4th, and LB Josh Uche. So here is the next up-and-coming draft guru's Thanksgiving First-Round Mock Draft

Mac Jones has proved he isn't the answer, and change is arising in New England. Belichick is on his way out, and the offense isn't just bland; it's depressing. Moving up for the top QB on the board immediately draws eyes back to the Pats as they rebuild around their new signal caller.

Kyler Murray is playing well but doesn't have much help. Marquise Brown as a WR2 to the best receiver prospect since Chase makes for a great-looking receiving corps, though. The Cardinals were desperate for a playmaker opposite of Hollywood, and they got an elite guy on day one.

Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State. Olu has all the making to be an elite lineman at the next level. The Bears OLine does no favors to Fields development, and Olu can fix that. Due to his technique and fundamentals, he's a day-one-ready prospect with the versatility to slot in anywhere on the line.

DJ Moore has been outstanding, but having another guy to take attention from the defense would go a long way. Keon has the best hands in the class and is able to highpoint the ball, especially in the red zone. Moore and Coleman perfectly complement each other as X and Y receivers outside, and the emergence as a duo will open up the offense, giving Kmet and Mooney more opportunities to get open.

Daniel Jones isn't the guy who'll win you a Super Bowl, whether it's because of his play or his health; he's simply not the answer. Maye, on the other hand, could very well be the best QB out of the class. Getting Daboll, his young QB, to develop as he did Allen will give the Giants hope to make the jump.