For my inaugural 2024 NFL mock draft, I’m factoring in team needs and placing a slightly greater emphasis than usual on my assessments of prospects to determine their placements in the first round. However, as April approaches, my mock drafts will shift focus from my personal evaluations of players to predicting the likely intentions of teams with each pick.
At the time of writing, the draft order for selections 1 through 30 has been finalized. The order for picks 31 and 32 will be determined by the result of Super Bowl LVIII. In this mock draft, those picks are arranged based on regular-season records, with strength of schedule used as the determining factor in case of ties. Be sure to catch the live coverage of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine starting on February 29th on NFL Network and NFL+.
In the first 2024 NFL mock draft, Williams displayed inconsistent performance in 2023, but his overall talent and potential on a rookie contract make him a logical choice. Some experts have anticipated North Carolina’s Drake Maye to be chosen at this spot, but Maye’s performance fluctuated while Daniels remained steady in 2023, making him a preferred pick for the Washington Commanders.
The New England Patriots, holding the third pick, opt for Marvin Harrison Jr., a straightforward choice for the team. Despite this, there’s curiosity about whether the Patriots might feel compelled to select a quarterback with this pick.
Moving on to the fourth pick, the Arizona Cardinals seek to bolster their receiving corps by selecting Rome Odunze, whose playing style draws comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald, making him an ideal fit for the team.
In a projected trade with the Los Angeles Chargers, the Atlanta Falcons secure Drake Maye as their quarterback choice. Despite Maye’s inconsistent performance last season, the Falcons believe in his remarkable traits and potential, making him a valuable addition under new head coach Raheem Morris.
The New York Giants prioritize offensive line protection by selecting Taliese Fuaga, known for his exceptional pass-blocking skills, offering flexibility in Evan Neal’s placement on the team.
The Tennessee Titans address their offensive line needs by selecting Joe Alt, a reliable left tackle to protect Will Levis’s blind side.
The Los Angeles Chargers, acquiring this pick through a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, focus on cornerback Terrion Arnold, fitting the mold of a press corner, which aligns with the team’s needs.
The Chicago Bears opt for Malik Nabers, a wide receiver from LSU, or possibly a pass rusher to complement Montez Sweat.
The New York Jets prioritize offensive line protection with JC Latham from Alabama to safeguard Aaron Rodgers and strengthen their running game.
The Minnesota Vikings aim to address their defensive end needs by selecting Jared Verse from Florida State, offering explosiveness in this position.
The Denver Broncos select J.J. McCarthy, a quarterback from Michigan, renowned for his elite processing abilities and athleticism, traits reminiscent of a typical Sean Payton pick.
The Las Vegas Raiders add Byron Murphy II, a defensive tackle from Texas, valued for his explosiveness and power, as a crucial addition to their team.
The New Orleans Saints opt for Laiatu Latu, an edge rusher from UCLA, known for his refined rush moves and NFL-caliber techniques.
The Indianapolis Colts prioritize landing Brock Bowers, a tight end from Georgia, to serve as a reliable target for Anthony Richardson.
The Seattle Seahawks select Dallas Turner, an edge rusher from Alabama, known for his pass-rushing abilities, despite considering a tackle/guard option with Troy Fautanu.
The Jacksonville Jaguars focus on cornerback Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo, known for his size and man-cover skills, crucial for matching up against C.J. Stroud.
The Cincinnati Bengals select Olumuyiwa Fashanu, an offensive tackle from Penn State, recognized for his size and potential, despite still needing to develop further.
The Los Angeles Rams opt for Nate Wiggins, a cornerback from Clemson, to strengthen their perimeter defense with his exceptional speed and agility.
The Pittsburgh Steelers prioritize offensive tackle Amarius Mims from Georgia, recognizing his talent and suitability for their team’s needs.
The Miami Dolphins select Graham Barton, an interior offensive lineman from Duke, for his versatility and immediate impact as a starting guard or center.
The Philadelphia Eagles consider Kool-Aid McKinstry, a cornerback from Alabama, to bolster their secondary, despite contemplating trading back for additional options.
The Houston Texans, acquiring this pick through a trade with the Cleveland Browns, target Chop Robinson, an edge rusher from Penn State, valued for his athleticism and complementary abilities to Will Anderson Jr.
The Dallas Cowboys opt for Troy Fautanu, an offensive lineman from Washington, who can potentially play either tackle or guard, enhancing their protection and run game capabilities.
The Green Bay Packers prioritize offensive tackle Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma, recognizing his potential to contribute positively despite needing more game experience.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Ennis Rakestraw Jr., a cornerback from Missouri, admired for his competitive play style and adaptability to various coverage schemes.
The Arizona Cardinals, acquiring this pick through a trade with the Houston Texans, focus on Jackson Powers-Johnson, a center from Oregon, valued for his size, strength, and versatility.
The Buffalo Bills prioritize wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. from LSU, ensuring depth in their receiving corps, despite considering other positional needs.
The Detroit Lions select Darius Robinson, a defensive lineman from Missouri, recognized for his versatility and ability to contribute to a formidable defensive front.
The New England Patriots, acquiring this pick through a trade with the Baltimore Ravens, consider Bo Nix, a quarterback from Oregon, as a potential selection to complement their earlier receiver pick.
The Kansas City Chiefs select Roman Wilson, a wide receiver from Michigan, valued for his smooth athleticism and speed, offering a dynamic threat to their offense.
The San Francisco 49ers opt for Ja’Tavion Sanders, a tight end from Texas, recognized for his ability to make tough catches despite his limitations in blocking.
