The 2024 NFL Draft promises to be a franchise-altering event for several front offices. Quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Quinn Ewers steal the limelight. But the wide receiver group is perhaps the deepest it has ever been. Multiple cornerstone left tackles round out the offensive group — oh yeah, and how could we forget Georgia superstar tight end, Brock Bowers? In today’s mock draft, the Giants, Vikings, and Falcons start fresh.
NFL Mock Draft: Giants Fly Up The Board, Falcons Reunite Quinn Ewers With Bijan Robinson
Defensively, the class boasts some instant-impact prospects, albeit with less top-end talent and depth than the other side of the ball. Laiatu Latu leads the pass-rushing crop while Kool-Aid McKinstry and Kalen King continue jockeying for the CB1 mantle. Surprisingly, after back-to-back loaded draft classes, Georgia likely won’t see a defensive player taken on Day 1.
As far as the 2024 NFL Draft order, it remains fluid and up in the air six weeks into the campaign. Currently, the Chicago Bears lay claim to the top two selections, thanks to their savvy trade last offseason with the Carolina Panthers. Teams like the Broncos, Giants, and Patriots sit with a paltry one win to their name, keeping the race for the No. 1 pick heated.
In today’s mock draft, we will use the current order on Tankathon. This website calculates the draft order if the 2024 NFL Draft happened today by weighing overall records and winning percentages, giving the most accurate standings available. As mentioned, the Bears dominate the top of the board, but could yet another trade-down occur this off-season?
Bears Keep Justin Fields; Giants Move Up For Caleb Williams
The Bears stick with Justin Fields for one more season, ironically trading down with the franchise that allowed Chicago to trade up for Fields in 2021. The Giants send a slew of draft picks to jump in front of other quarterback-needy squads.
1: New York Giants — Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Caleb Williams… welcome to the Big Apple. After starring in Hollywood for his college career, the USC signal-caller takes his talents to the other coast, where his star power will grow exponentially. More importantly, Williams can sling the pigskin with the best of them. His arm talent and creativity will allow head coach Brian Daboll to open his playbook fully.
2: Chicago Bears — Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
In trading out of pick No. 1, the Bears push all their chips to the center of the table on Justin Fields. It is a risky gamble, but worst-case scenario, the roster will be much better in 2025 if Chicago doesn’t see what they need from Fields. Marvin Harrison Jr. flexes ideal size, hands, and route running and would immediately form a top wide receiver duo in the NFL with D.J. Moore.
Another Trade Shakes The Mock Draft Up!
The Broncos could very well stay put and restart their build with Drake Maye. However, given Russell Wilson’s contract, and the considerable amount of holes elsewhere on the roster, it makes more sense for Denver to recoup assets. They painted themselves into a Sean Payton-Russell Wilson corner — now they have to deal with it.
3: Minnesota Vikings — Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Vikings benefit from the Bears' decision by trading up for North Carolina’s Drake Maye. Kirk Cousins will be a free agent at season’s end, and Maye is the perfect replacement within Kevin O’Connell’s high-powered offense. The Tar Heel star checks all the boxes physically, displaying an impressive deep ball and deceptive rushing prowess.
4: Arizona Cardinals — Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
No one has risen up boards in 2023 more than Laiatu Latu. The UCLA pass rusher has a checkered past medically, but his superb play this season has made it easier to believe those issues are a thing of the past. Possessing unblockable traits off the edge, Latu is a disruptive presence that head coach Jonathan Gannon can build a system around.
5: Chicago Bears (via CAR) — Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Bears got Justin Fields a weapon earlier in the mock draft; now, it is time to beef up the defense. Jared Verse is a polarizing prospect to some in the NFL Draft community, but his improved get-off and overall play strength make him an imposing threat to opposing quarterbacks. Verse is a worthwhile selection early on Day 1.
6: New England Patriots — Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Quarterback, offensive tackle, or Brock Bowers? That is the question that rattled my brain while crafting this mock draft. Conventional wisdom says to lean toward the more premium positions, but Bowers is enough of a unicorn to break the tie. We all know the Patriots love some tight-end action; the Georgia superstar will lead New England’s offense for years to come.
7: Denver Broncos — Olu Fashanu, OL, Penn State
In a stroke of luck, the Broncos still find a way to add a franchise player at No. 7 overall in this mock draft. Olu Fashanu is an elite pass protector with the size and strength to become a great run blocker, too. Fashanu is a plug-and-play starter from the jump.
8: Tennessee Titans — Joe Alt, OL, Notre Dame
The Titans are a mess at quarterback, but between Malik Willis and Will Levis, hopefully, one of those guys will seize the starting gig in the offseason. Either way, the offensive line needs work for whoever is throwing passes. Insert Notre Dame’s Joe Alt. The mountain of a man is the next in a long line of Fightin’ Irish alum with teach tape technique in the trenches.
A Blistering Run On Offensive Tackles Continues As The Packers Bulk Up Their Injury-Riddled Unit
9: Green Bay Packers — J.C. Latham, OL, Alabama
The run on offensive tackles continues, with J.C. Latham headed to Green Bay. The Packers cannot rely on their starting linemen to stay healthy for a full slate, so a high-upside, durable starter is a necessity. Latham is a natural right tackle, but he can play either end of the line on Sundays.
10: Los Angeles Chargers — Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
The Chargers’ defense employs some of the bigger names in the sport, but it’s the rest of the depth chart that elicits worries from the fan base. Jer’Zhan Newton would finally bolster a run defense that has consistently ranked toward the bottom of the league. The Illini star is still scratching the surface of his pass-rushing ability, too.
11: New Orleans Saints — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Another Alabama player? Oh yeah! Kool-Aid McKinstry is a physical cornerback who thrives at shadowing the opponent’s top pass catcher. McKinstry loves to play press coverage, and his trail technique is nothing short of special. The Saints add a needle-mover to the defense.
Can Quinn Ewers Be “That” Guy For The Upstart Atlanta Falcons?
12: Atlanta Falcons — Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Finally, the third quarterback comes off the board. Quinn Ewers is far from perfect. But what he is, is a talented passer with clear room for improvement. His deep ball is a work in progress, but Ewers’ overall ball placement and ability to command an offense will give the Falcons what Desmond Ridder cannot provide. Plus, reuniting the Longhorn alum with his former teammate, Bijan Robinson, is a story fit for the big screen.
13: Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) — Kalen King, CB, Penn State
The Cardinals already got a premier defender at No. 4 in this mock draft, but why not more? Kalen King is neck-and-neck with McKinstry for the title of CB1. King is a sticky cornerback who loves to shut down his opponent and then let them hear about it. His personality is exactly what the Arizona defense needs.
14: Las Vegas Raiders — Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
The Raiders can't trust Jimmy Garoppolo to stay healthy, and fourth-round rookie Aidan O’Connell profiles as a long-term backup — not a franchise centerpiece. Michael Penix Jr., on the other hand, will have one of the strongest arms in the league upon arrival. The Husky signal-caller can stretch defenses in ways that Garoppolo and O’Connell simply cannot.
15: Indianapolis Colts — Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Colts need some defensive reinforcements; however, the temptation to add Malik Nabers to an Anthony Richardson-led offense is too much to ignore. Nabers is a gifted athlete with homerun-hitting ability on every touch. He is a nice foil to Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs.
16: Washington Commanders — Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Commanders might lose Chase Young to free agency in a few months, but even if they retain the Ohio State alum, it would behoove Washington to add another premium pass rusher in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dallas Turner is a natural at hounding quarterbacks and should be a Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite.
17: New York Jets — Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Keon Coleman hype train has officially left the station. Frankly, being available at No. 17 overall might be unrealistic by the time April rolls around. But as of this mock draft, Coleman is still available for the New York Jets. The Florida State product is a jump-ball specialist with a remarkable burst after the catch. Garrett Wilson’s skill set meshes perfectly with his new partner in crime.
Another NFL Draft, Another Stacked Group Of Wide Receivers
18: Cincinnati Bengals — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Tee Higgins is as good as gone when his contract expires after the 2023 campaign. But fret not Joe Burrow, calvary is on the way! Rome Odunze is just as competitive as Higgins at the catch point, and I’d argue he’s a significantly better athlete overall. Odunze is a big play waiting to happen every time he takes the field.
19: Los Angeles Rams — Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The Rams found a nice piece of the puzzle with Byron Young at last year’s NFL Draft. The rookie pass rusher has already made his mark, but to keep double teams away, another capable defender should be a priority. Chop Robinson can serve as the complement to Young in Year 1 with his length and impressive first step.
20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Baker Mayfield has been fine in 2023, but fine is no longer good enough for a franchise that has had a taste of a Super Bowl title in recent years. J.J. McCarthy will never be confused with Tom Brady, even if the two share Michigan roots. McCarthy’s arm is slightly above average; his processing, age, dual-threat traits, and willingness to line up under center are all selling points on Sundays.
21: Houston Texans (via CLE) — Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
The Texans look like a team that is only a few pieces away from being a perennial playoff contender. Derek Stingley Jr. has dealt with injuries frequently, so let’s take an insurance piece that can also start alongside Stingley. Cooper DeJean is a high-end athlete with solid coverage instincts and the versatility to even play safety if asked.
22: Seattle Seahawks — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The rumors say that Shedeur Sanders will return for another season at Colorado in 2024. However, this mock draft calls his bluff. If Sanders knows he can secure a first-round contract, the star quarterback could easily reverse course. Landing with the Seahawks gives him a chance to ease into the QB1 role before inheriting a playoff roster.
23: Pittsburgh Steelers — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Nate Wiggins is one of “my guys” from the 2024 NFL Draft. He possesses the ideal size of a boundary cornerback in the NFL, and his best football is still ahead. Wiggins’ ability to mirror receivers is special; all he needs is some NFL coaching to smooth out the rough edges.
24: Buffalo Bills — Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Denzel Burke burst onto the scene as a true freshman but suffered a disastrous 2022 campaign that sent his draft stock into a tailspin. Thankfully, the 2021 version of Burke has returned. The Bills desperately need help at cornerback; the Buckeye defender’s confidence and improving technique will allow Buffalo fans to forget about the Kaiir Elam misfire.
25: Dallas Cowboys — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Cowboys likely prefer addressing the defense at this pick, but Emeka Egbuka is an itch that Jerry Jones cannot resist scratching. The “other” Ohio State pass catcher is a quality player in his own right, flexing pristine route running and sure hands.
26: Jacksonville Jaguars — Kamren Kinchens, DB, Miami
The Jaguars are dangerously close to breaking through the barrier and becoming legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Kamren Kinchens would give Jacksonville a superstar for the backend of the defense, as the Miami defender boasts exceptional instincts and ball skills.
27: Baltimore Ravens — Patrick Paul, OL, Houston
The Ravens prefer to add premium positions early in the NFL Draft; this mock draft will stick to that vision. Patrick Paul can play anywhere on the offensive line, giving Baltimore a chess piece upfront for a unit that seemingly always battles injuries.
28: Detroit Lions — Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
The first time Xavier Legette has been featured in our first-round mock draft — and it certainly won’t be the last. Legette gets lost in the shuffle in a stacked wide receiver group, but make no mistake, the 6-foot-3, 227-pound pass catcher deserves his share of praise. The Gamecock star resembles Deebo Samuel in several ways; adding him to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams should be illegal.
29: Miami Dolphins — Leonard Taylor III, DL, Miami
The Dolphins will consider offensive help on Day 1 as long as Mike McDaniel is head coach. However, the value is not there in this mock draft, so Miami pivots to the defensive line. Hometown product Leonard Taylor III has the size, strength, and speed to line up in multiple spots along the line.
30: San Francisco 49ers — T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
T’Vondre Sweat is a bowling ball at defensive tackle. Checking in north of 360 pounds, a man the size of Sweat shouldn’t move the way he does. The Texas alum is a phenomenal run stuffer immediately, but his still-developing pass-rushing repertoire gives Sweat superstar potential.
31: Kansas City Chiefs — Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
The Chiefs take another early wide receiver near the end of this mock draft with Oregon’s Troy Franklin. The Duck pass catcher boasts a slender body, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing less than 180 pounds. Still, he plays much bigger than that; size is rarely an issue on tape. For Patrick Mahomes, Franklin would complete the retooling at wide receiver in Kansas City.
Howie Roseman Does What Howie Roseman Does Best With The Final Pick In Our Latest NFL Mock Draft
32: Philadelphia Eagles — Amarius Mims, OL, Georgia
Howie Roseman dips into the Georgia pool yet again to cap off our latest first-round mock draft. Amarius Mims has the talent to go much earlier than this next Spring, but given his rawness and current ankle injury, the Eagles benefit from Mims’ drop. Lane Johnson isn’t getting any younger.