With the approaching 2024 National Football League Draft just days away, 32 promising young athletes are poised to hear their names announced on April 25, marking the commencement of the three-day event overseen by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Amidst the fervent anticipation, analysts and fans alike are engaged in fervid speculation, endeavoring to forecast the draft outcomes. However, the unpredictable nature of the draft is expected to introduce significant surprises and upheavals, defying conventional expectations. Presented below is a mock draft for the first round, incorporating potential trades and projections, reflecting anticipated selections rather than personal preferences.
Chicago Bears (from Carolina): Caleb Williams, Quarterback, USC
The Chicago Bears’ choice of Caleb Williams as the first pick signifies a pivotal moment for the talented quarterback, long touted as the frontrunner for this position. Williams aims to fill the void of a franchise quarterback for the Bears, reminiscent of the legendary Sid Luckman era. This selection sets the stage for the draft’s subsequent developments.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, Quarterback, LSU
Following a stellar college season culminating in a Heisman Trophy win, Jayden Daniels is expected to be the Washington Commanders’ preferred choice as the second quarterback off the board. The Commanders’ new general manager, Adam Peters, is likely to prioritize Daniels as their inaugural draft pick, a decision that may have seemed improbable not long ago.
New England Patriots: Drake Maye, Quarterback, UNC
Amidst speculations surrounding potential trades or a selection of Michigan’s JJ McCarthy, the New England Patriots are projected to opt for Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels if available. The Patriots are anticipated to prioritize the quarterback position with a strategic pick in the first round.
Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., Wide Receiver, OSU
Marvin Harrison Jr., renowned for his exceptional receiving skills and athletic prowess, emerges as a top choice for the Arizona Cardinals. As the son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., “MHJ” brings a rare combination of talent and lineage to the field, making him a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ roster.
Minnesota Vikings (Projected Trade with LAC): JJ McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
In a surprising trade maneuver, the Minnesota Vikings leverage their acquired first-round pick to secure JJ McCarthy, the standout quarterback from the national champion Michigan Wolverines. The strong connection between the Vikings and McCarthy throughout the pre-draft process underscores the significance of this strategic move.
New York Giants: Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver, LSU
Opting for an explosive offensive weapon in Malik Nabers, the New York Giants aim to enhance their offensive arsenal and evaluate quarterback Daniel Jones under improved conditions. General manager Joe Schoen’s decision reflects a strategic focus on strengthening the team’s offensive capabilities for the upcoming season.
Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame
The Tennessee Titans prioritize bolstering their offensive line by selecting Joe Alt as the first offensive lineman off the board in a competitive class. This strategic move aims to provide quarterback Will Levis with enhanced protection and support, solidifying the Titans’ offensive front.
Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, Edge Rusher, Alabama
As the first defensive player expected to be selected in this year’s draft, Dallas Turner emerges as a prime choice for the Atlanta Falcons. Turner’s prowess as an explosive pass rusher aligns well with Atlanta’s defensive scheme, positioning him as a valuable asset for the team.
New Orleans Saints (Projected Trade with Chicago): Rome Odunze, Wide Receiver, Washington
In a significant trade within the Top 10, the New Orleans Saints secure Rome Odunze, one of the top wide receiver prospects in the draft class. This strategic move allows the Saints to acquire a key player before the Jets, enhancing their offensive capabilities for the upcoming season.
New York Jets: Brock Bowers, Tight End, Georgia
Despite missing out on Odunze, the New York Jets secure Brock Bowers, a versatile and dynamic tight end from Georgia. Bowers’ unique skill set transcends traditional tight end roles, offering quarterback Aaron Rodgers a valuable asset in the team’s offensive strategy.
Los Angeles Chargers (Projected Trade with MIN): Troy Fautanu, Offensive Lineman, Washington
Following a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, the Los Angeles Chargers select Troy Fautanu, an agile and versatile offensive lineman expected to bolster the team’s front line. Fautanu’s athleticism and adaptability position him as a valuable addition to the Chargers’ offensive strategy.
Denver Broncos: Terrion Arnold, Cornerback, Alabama
Opting for defensive reinforcement, the Denver Broncos select Terrion Arnold, a talented cornerback from Alabama, to complement the team’s defensive lineup. General manager George Paton’s strategic choice aims to strengthen the Broncos’ defensive capabilities for the upcoming season.
Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, Offensive Tackle, Oregon State
The Las Vegas Raiders prioritize offensive line strength by selecting Taliese Fuaga, a proficient right tackle known for his tenacity and technical skills. Fuaga’s addition to the team’s roster is poised to fortify the Raiders’ offensive front and enhance their performance on the field.
Chicago Bears (Projected Trade with New Orleans): Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Offensive Tackle, Penn State
In a strategic move following a trade with the New Orleans Saints, the Chicago Bears secure Olumuyiwa Fashanu, a promising offensive tackle from Penn State. Fashanu’s selection underscores the Bears’ commitment to strengthening their offensive line and investing in future talent for sustained success.
Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, Cornerback, Toledo
Emphasizing defensive prowess, the Indianapolis Colts select Quinyon Mitchell, a gifted cornerback known for his athleticism and potential to excel at the professional level. Mitchell’s addition to the Colts’ roster reflects a strategic investment in defensive talent to enhance the team’s performance.
Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, Defensive Tackle, Texas
Addressing the need for interior defensive strength, the Seattle Seahawks select Byron Murphy II, a top prospect recognized for his prowess as an interior rusher. Murphy’s addition to the Seahawks’ defensive lineup aims to fortify the team’s defensive capabilities and create a formidable presence on the field.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., Wide Receiver, LSU
Prioritizing offensive support for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Brian Thomas Jr., a promising wide receiver with the potential to evolve into a key offensive asset. Thomas Jr.’s addition to the Jaguars’ receiving corps aims to enhance the team’s offensive dynamics and elevate their performance.
Miami Dolphins (Projected Trade with Cincinnati): Jared Verse, Edge Rusher, FSU
In a strategic trade with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Miami Dolphins secure Jared Verse, a powerful edge rusher from Florida State University. Verse’s addition to the Dolphins’ defensive lineup is expected to bolster their pass rush and contribute to an imposing defensive front.
Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, Edge Rusher, UCLA
Selecting Laiatu Latu, a polished edge rusher from UCLA, the Los Angeles Rams reinforce their defensive capabilities with a dynamic and versatile player. Latu’s return to the field following his medical clearance is anticipated to strengthen the Rams’ defensive strategies and contribute to their defensive success.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Graham Barton, Interior Offensive Lineman, Duke
The Pittsburgh Steelers prioritize interior offensive line strength by selecting Graham Barton, a skilled zone blocker recognized for his compatibility with the team’s playing style. Barton’s addition to the Steelers’ offensive lineup aims to fortify their offensive front and enhance their performance on the field.
Cincinnati Bengals (Projected Trade with Miami): JC Latham, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
In a strategic trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Cincinnati Bengals secure JC Latham, a talented offensive tackle from Alabama. Latham’s selection underscores the Bengals’ commitment to enhancing their offensive line and investing in future talent for sustained success.
Philadelphia Eagles: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Cornerback, Missouri
Opting for defensive reinforcement, the Philadelphia Eagles select Ennis Rakestraw Jr., an instinctive cornerback known for his versatility and physicality. Rakestraw’s addition to the Eagles’ defensive lineup is poised to strengthen their defensive strategies and contribute to their success on the field.
Los Angeles Chargers (Projected Trade with Minnesota, from Cleveland via Houston): Adonai Mitchell, Wide Receiver, Texas
Following a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, the Los Angeles Chargers secure Adonai Mitchell, a promising wide receiver from Texas. Mitchell’s addition to the Chargers’ offensive lineup complements their strategic focus on offensive talent and enhances their capabilities on the field.
Dallas Cowboys: Zach Frazier, Center, WVU
The Dallas Cowboys select Zach Frazier, a dominant center known for his exceptional blocking skills and technical proficiency. Frazier’s addition to the Cowboys’ offensive lineup aims to fill a crucial position and contribute to the team’s offensive strategies.
Green Bay Packers: Tyler Guyton, Offensive Tackle, OU
The Green Bay Packers opt for Tyler Guyton, an athletic offensive tackle recognized for his potential and physical attributes. Guyton’s selection underscores the Packers’ focus on enhancing their offensive line and investing in future talent for sustained success.
Baltimore Ravens (Projected Trade with Tampa Bay): Amarius Mims, Offensive Tackle, Georgia
In a strategic trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Baltimore Ravens secure Amarius Mims, a talented offensive tackle from Georgia. Mims’ addition to the Ravens’ offensive lineup is expected to fortify their offensive strategies and contribute to their success on the field.
Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): Nate Wiggins, Cornerback, Clemson
Following their selection of Marvin Harrison Jr., the Arizona Cardinals bolster their defense by selecting Nate Wiggins, a highly sought-after cornerback from Clemson. Wiggins’ addition to the Cardinals’ defensive lineup aims to strengthen their defensive capabilities and create a formidable defensive presence on the field.
Buffalo Bills: Xavier Legette, Wide Receiver, South Carolina
Addressing the need for a wide receiver, the Buffalo Bills select Xavier Legette, a dynamic receiver known for his physicality and playmaking abilities. Legette’s addition to the Bills’ receiving corps aims to enhance their offensive dynamics and contribute to their success on the field.
Detroit Lions: Jer’Zhan Newton, Defensive Tackle, Illinois
Prioritizing defensive fortification, the Detroit Lions select Jer’Zhan Newton, a talented defensive tackle from Illinois, to bolster their defensive lineup. Newton’s addition to the Lions’ defense aims to strengthen their defensive strategies and contribute to their performance on the field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Projected Trade with Baltimore): Jackson Powers-Johnson, Interior Offensive Lineman, Oregon
In a strategic trade with the Baltimore Ravens, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secure Jackson Powers-Johnson, a formidable interior offensive lineman from Oregon. Powers-Johnson’s addition to the Buccaneers’ offensive lineup is poised to fortify their offensive strategies and contribute to their success on the field.
San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Morgan, Offensive Lineman, Arizona
The San Francisco 49ers select Jordan Morgan, a versatile offensive lineman from Arizona, to reinforce their offensive line and provide added protection for quarterback Brock Purdy. Morgan’s selection aims to enhance the 49ers’ offensive strategies and contribute to their success on the field.
Green Bay Packers (Projected Trade with Kansas City): Payton Wilson, Inside Linebacker, NC State
In a strategic trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Green Bay Packers secure Payton Wilson, a talented inside linebacker from NC State. Wilson’s addition to the Packers’ defensive lineup is expected to bolster their defensive strategies and contribute to their success on the field.