Happy New Year! As we turn the calendar over from 2023 to 2024, what better way to open the year than with a fresh first-round mock draft?
The college football season is all but over, with the National Championship contest between Washington and Michigan slated for Jan. 8. Additionally, the NFL enters its final week of the regular season, so the draft order, at least for non-playoff teams, will soon be finalized.
In today’s article, it is an all-out war at quarterback. Multiple teams move up the board to secure a signal-caller, while others choose to stock up assets for next year’s draft. A whopping SEVEN appear in the first round of NFLMocks’ latest mock draft.
You Get A QB, You Get A QB, Everyone Gets A QB In Updated Mock Draft
Going further, wide receiver continues dominating the early portion of the event. Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers headline the pool of players, but another handful of pass catchers are featured in this mock draft.
The offensive line is another strong suit, with upwards of a dozen players in contention for a Round 1 selection. Olu Fashanu, Joe Alt, and J.C. Latham will likely go early, paving the way for the second tier of blockers to come off the board before the first round ends.
On defense, the unit falls short of the stacked offensive group. However, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking any top-end talent. Jer’Zhan Newton, Dallas Turner, and Kool-Aid McKinstry all lead their respective positional groups and should be instant starters at the next level.
We will use the current draft order at Tankathon for this mock draft exercise. Without further ado, let’s kick things off with an earth-shattering trade for the No. 1 overall pick.
A massive mock draft trade sees the New York Giants go all in on QB Caleb Williams
Bears Send:
•No. 1 Overall (2024)
Giants Send:
•No. 5 Overall (2024)
•No. 39 Overall (2024)
•No. 46 Overall (2024)
•Future 1st Round Pick (2025)
•Future 2nd Round Pick (2026)
No. 1: New York Giants (via CHI) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The New York Giants need more than Daniel Jones can provide at quarterback. Caleb Williams, a prospect oozing arm talent and star power, becomes the QB1 for Brian Daboll, hopefully evening the playing field in a loaded NFC East.
No. 2: Washington Commanders — Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
After witnessing Sam Howell regress mightily, the Commanders should turn the page and start over behind center. Drake Maye boasts pinpoint accuracy, an underrated rushing ability, and plenty of arm strength to utilize the impressive wideouts in D.C.
No. 3: New England Patriots — Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Three signal-callers in a row? While unlikely, that is how the mock draft fell. The Patriots, a team desperate for a pillar at quarterback, find one in Jayden Daniels. The reigning Heisman winner has an exciting blend of arm talent and athleticism.
Marvin Harrison Jr. with Kyler Murray? Yes, Please!
No. 4: Arizona Cardinals — Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Cardinals steal the best player in the 2024 NFL Draft, Marvin Harrison Jr., at No. 4 overall. Harrison Jr. flexes prototypical size, polished route running, and reliable hands. Kyler Murray gets a new weapon.
No. 5: Chicago Bears (via NYG) — Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Earlier in the mock draft, the Bears stuck by Justin Fields and traded down. Now, at No. 5, Chicago takes the best offensive lineman available. Olu Fashanu is an elite pass protector from Day 1 with untapped potential in the run game.
No. 6: Los Angeles Chargers — Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Chargers need help on defense, but the value doesn’t fit here. Instead, L.A. can bring in an explosive playmaker on offense who also excels as a blocker. Tight end Brock Bowers fits the bill.
No. 7: Tennessee Titans — Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
If Will Levis wants any chance at success, the Titans must improve the offensive unit around him. Step one? Draft a franchise left tackle, like Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, and give Levis a fair shake at earning the quarterback job long-term.
“Protect Aaron Rodgers” Approach Takes Center Stage In First 2024 Mock Draft
No. 8: New York Jets — J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
Aaron Rodgers, at the ripe age of 40, will return to the Jets in 2024. To avoid another injury-riddled campaign, New York cannot trot out the same offensive line. J.C. Latham is a plug-and-play right tackle — he will keep Rodgers clean.
No. 9: Atlanta Falcons — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
It’s popular to give the Falcons a quarterback in any mock draft, and while that could happen, the value elsewhere on the board is too much to pass on. Rome Odunze steps in as the WR2 on the roster, showing top-tier body control and competitiveness at the catch point.
Don’t worry, Atlanta fans; there is more in store for this mock draft — stay tuned.
No. 10: Chicago Bears — Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Following a nine-player run of only offensive prospects, the drought finally ends. Dallas Turner, an athletic pass rusher from Alabama, is the choice. The Bears can send Turner and Montez Sweat at opposing quarterbacks, forming a dream team off the edge.
No. 11: Las Vegas Raiders — Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
Jer’Zhan Newton holds the highest defensive grade on NFLMocks’ current Big Board. The Illinois product is a disruptive presence from the interior, regularly terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and shutting down the run game. The Raiders need all of that.
Similar to the Falcons, stick around for a little bit longer Raider Nation. This mock draft isn’t over.
Michael Penix Jr. Keeps His Purple And Gold Attire
No. 12: Minnesota Vikings — Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
The Vikings will likely be without Kirk Cousins in 2024, paving the way for a new leader in the locker room. Michael Penix Jr. has the experience and ability to step in immediately, giving Minnesota a high-upside gunslinger if the front office is comfortable with his medicals.
No. 13: New Orleans Saints — Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Full disclosure: Malik Nabers should go earlier, but this mock draft featured a run on quarterbacks. The Saints benefit, adding a lethal running partner with Chris Olave, as Nabers brings unparalleled explosion to the offense.
No. 14: Denver Broncos — Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Another player that should go higher, Laiatu Latu’s tape is as good as any in the class, but his medicals remain a cloud over his draft stock. The Broncos roll the dice, choosing to beef up a pass-rushing unit that is average at best.
Expect Cam Ward To Climb NFL Draft And Mock Draft Boards
No. 15: Seattle Seahawks — Cam Ward, QB, Washington State
Cam Ward is a late entry to the quarterback class, opting to place his name in the 2024 NFL Draft rather than transfer. The Seahawks will keep Ward in Washington as the ascending talent lands with a stable organization that won’t rush his development.
Ward has all the traits of a franchise player behind center; he just needs some seasoning.
No. 16: Cincinnati Bengals — Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending injury yet again, and it’s impossible not to blame the offensive line. The unit needs a tone-setter — Taliese Fuaga profiles as such. He is a bully ball blocker who dominates in the run game and anchors in well as a pass protector.
No. 17: Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
My top-rated cornerback drops right in the lap of the Arizona Cardinals. Kool-Aid McKinstry excels in press coverage and is more than a willing tackler. Coming away with Marvin Harrison Jr. and McKinstry is highway robbery.
No. 18: Pittsburgh Steelers — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
If Joey Porter Jr. is a strong start to building up the cornerback room, Nate Wiggins would be the proverbial cherry on top. Wiggins is a smooth mover, possessing fluid hips and ball skills to frequently disrupt passing lanes.
Packers Use Best Player Available Strategy In Round 1 Of Mock Draft
No. 19: Green Bay Packers — Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The cornerback run continues as Terrion Arnold goes No. 19 overall in this mock draft. The Packers employ Jaire Alexander, but injuries and inconsistency plague the rest of the depth chart. Arnold is a fiery competitor, using physicality to torment his assignments.
No. 20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Once considered a top 10 lock, Jared Verse keeps getting pushed down the board. The Buccaneers take advantage by keeping the in-state product in Florida, giving the defense a powerful building block off the edge.
No. 21: Indianapolis Colts — Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Brian Thomas Jr. over Keon Coleman? That will be a hot debate throughout the pre-draft process. In today’s mock draft, the Colts opt for a better separator with a similar build and an even better contested-catch trait than Coleman. The Colts and Anthony Richardson will be happy either way.
Amarius Mims: A Risk Worth Taking For Jaguars
No. 22: Jacksonville Jaguars — Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Trevor Lawrence can be a top signal-caller in the NFL if he receives protection up front. Amarius Mims, although raw, possesses as much upside as any of his peers. Mims can slide into the left tackle role and learn on the fly with his blend of size (6-foot-4, 340 pounds) and athleticism.
No. 23: Los Angeles Rams — Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Byron Young and Kobie Turner are two breakout stars for the Rams defense. Selecting Bralen Trice will ensure L.A. is in good hands when perennial All-Pro Aaron Donald calls it a career. Trice has an endless bag of pass-rushing moves and would feed off Young and Turner’s lead.
No. 24: Buffalo Bills — Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Depending on who you ask, Keon Coleman is anywhere from WR2 to WR8 in rankings. As for me and this mock draft, he falls right in the middle. Stefon Diggs’ days in Buffalo could be numbered, so Coleman’s go-up-and-get-it mindset would be welcomed now and in the future.
No. 25: Kansas City Chiefs — Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Ideally, the Chiefs will get better weapons for Patrick Mahomes in the offseason. However, upgrading the offensive line should be No. 1 on the list. Tyler Guyton, a reliable blocker from Oklahoma, profiles as a starter in Year 1 with elite pass-protecting upside.
Another Draft, Another Steal For Howie Roseman And The Eagles
No. 26: Philadelphia Eagles — Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Thanks to a season-ending injury, Cooper DeJean’s draft stock has taken a bit of a hit. As you’d have it, the Eagles, a team constantly stealing talent at the event, end up with DeJean. The Iowa star shows remarkable instincts and versatility on tape.
Two more mock draft trades shake up the end of Day 1
Lions Send:
•No. 27 Overall (2024)
Raiders Send:
•No. 42 Overall (2024)
•No. 112 Overall (2024)
•Future 2nd Round Pick (2025)
No. 27: Las Vegas Raiders (via DET) — J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The Raiders jump back into the first round, this time for the all-important quarterback position. Whether Jim Harbaugh becomes the head coach in Vegas or not, J.J. McCarthy will be a name linked to the Silver and Black.
While the first round is a tad rich, overpaying is necessary at times, especially if a franchise has complete belief in said prospect. McCarthy has shown enough arm talent, maturity, and rushing ability to justify a dart throw at the end of Day 1. But fans must exhibit patience as he develops.
No. 28: Houston Texans (via CLE) — Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Will Anderson Jr. is the most impressive rookie defender in 2023, but the Texans still lack a pass rusher to take pressure off the former No. 2 overall pick. Insert Chop Robinson. The Penn State alum displays consistent bend on tape and will only improve as he introduces more moves to the tool belt.
No. 29: Miami Dolphins — Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The Dolphins have Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard, which — on paper — reads as a strength. However, both men will be on the wrong side of 30 in 2024 and have dealt with injuries this season. Miami gets ahead of the curve by selecting Quinyon Mitchell, a sticky zone specialist with man coverage chops.
No. 30: Dallas Cowboys — Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The Cowboys could go with a flashy selection, but bolstering the offensive line is the smartest play. Graham Barton is a rare prospect who can legitimately play anywhere on the line. With Dallas, Barton can provide Pro Bowl-level play instantly.
The final trade allows Atlanta to find a Desmond Ridder replacement!
49ers Send:
•No. 31 Overall (2024)
Falcons Send:
•No. 44 Overall (2024)
•No. 143 Overall (2024)
•Future 2nd Round Pick (2025)
No. 31: Atlanta Falcons (via SF) — Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Another trade occurs, this time with the Atlanta Falcons flying back into Round 1. Bo Nix holds the college football record for most starts by a quarterback, highlighting his experience and marked improvement over the years.
For the Falcons, Nix wouldn’t be asked to carry the team — nor should he feel the pressure to do so. With Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts already in tow, along with the addition of Rome Odunze, there’s a strong chance Nix would find himself in Rookie of the Year convos.
No. 32: Baltimore Ravens — Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The Ravens look like the best team in football and that leads to a luxury of sorts at No. 32 overall. Wide receiver? Cornerback? There’s no shortage of options at the end of this mock draft. But Troy Fautanu, a refined blocker from Washington, makes the most sense.
Fautanu can play guard at a high level in Year 1. He also has the skillset (and experience) to play offensive tackle when necessary. It’s hard to find a better fit for both sides, as Fautanu excels at using his strength to create running lanes.
Teams Without A First-Round Pick In This Mock Draft
No. 33: Carolina Panthers — Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
The Panthers need a lot of help on the roster, but no position is as barren as wide receiver. Troy Franklin provides Bryce Young with a No. 1 option in the passing game, as the Oregon product boasts the best release package in the class and consistently creates separation.
No. 42: Detroit Lions (via LV) — Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
After trading out of Round 1 and acquiring future draft capital in the process, the Lions still land a difference-maker at No. 42 in this mock draft. Xavier Legette, at 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, creates a new layer for the Detroit offense with his game-breaking speed.
No. 44: San Francisco 49ers (via ATL) — Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
The 49ers also traded out of Day 1, and similar to Detroit, San Francisco won’t miss out on an instant starter. Denzel Burke had an up-and-down career at Ohio State, but his talent has never been a question. The Niners hope NFL coaching is the last piece Burke needs to realize his true potential.
No. 59: Cleveland Browns — Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Amari Cooper turned back the clock in 2023, but Elijah Moore and the rest of the wide receiver room have been underwhelming — to say the least. Devontez Walker hasn’t caught the eye of the entire NFL Draft community yet, but once folks circle back to his tape, one thing will become clear: Walker can play.
The North Carolina star is a big-play specialist with a deceptive first step and burst. He easily finds his way behind the last line of the defense and shows impeccable ball-tracking ability on passes downfield. Walker is a candidate to play himself into Round 1, but as for this mock draft, the Browns snag him at No. 59 overall.
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