The first round of the 2024 NFL draft is less than three weeks away. There is little mystery at the top of the draft, with the Chicago Bears selecting first overall. The real fun begins at No. 2 with the Washington Commanders. Washington is likely to select a quarterback, but which one?
How many quarterbacks will go in the top five? For the first time in NFL history, will four quarterbacks go in the first four picks? How many offensive tackles go in the first round?
With the first month of free agency in the books, we have a clearer picture of each team’s needs. Here’s our latest mock draft which features multiple trades, including the Commanders coming back up into the first round.
1. Chicago Bears: USC QB Caleb Williams
USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) scrambles during the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
No mystery here.
2. Washington Commanders: UNC QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after throwing for a touchdown against the Syracuse Orange during the second half of their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 40-7. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The Commanders opt for Drake Maye over Jayden Daniels here.
3. (TRADE) Minnesota Vikings from New England Patriots: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes the ball during a practice session before the College Football Playoff national championship game against the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
After seeing Maye go off the board, the Vikings are taking no chances here, sending both their first-round picks and more to the Patriots to move up to No. 3 and select McCarthy. It’s surprising to see Daniels still on the board.
4. (TRADE) Las Vegas Raiders from Arizona Cardinals: LSU QB Jayden Daniels
LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) rushes against Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Taurean York (21) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce can’t believe Jayden Daniels is still on the board as the Raiders make a huge move here to land the quarterback they love. Pierce has known Daniels since they were both at Arizona State.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Notre Dame OT Joe Alt
Joe Alt #76 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action against the California Golden Bears during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 17, 2022 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
New coach Jim Harbaugh adds a franchise left tackle, giving the Chargers two stud young tackles to protect Justin Herbert.
6. (TRADE) Chicago Bears from New York Giants: Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) is defended by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton (16) during the third quarter of the NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Ncaa Football Rutgers Scarlet Knights At Ohio State Buckeyes
Shocked to see Marvin Harrison Jr. on the board, Chicago GM Ryan Poles moves up three spots to pair the draft’s top receiver with Caleb Williams. The Giants can still add a wide receiver.
7. Tennessee Titans: Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga
Offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga of Oregon State (72) shifts to an assignment during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Note: National edge Adisa Isaac of Penn State (20) Is pictured at left.
The Titans need OL help here and opt for Fuaga over Olu Fashanu — a bit of a surprise.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner
Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner (LB26) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons almost went with LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers here, but after spending so many resources on offense this offseason, they get a star pass rusher.
9. New York Giants from Chicago Bears: LSU WR Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers 8 as the LSU Tigers
The Giants can’t believe their luck, moving down and adding someone they considered at No. 6. A win for New York.
10. New York Jets: Georgia TE Brock Bowers
Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) with the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half in the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Instead of adding offensive line help, the Jets gave quarterback Aaron Rodgers another weapon. Bowers is excellent. However, are the Jets too confident in a pair of aging tackles to protect their 40-year-old QB coming off an Achilles injury?
11. New England Patriots from Vikings: Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.
Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) prepares to pass the ball against the Texas Longhorns in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Is it a surprise to see Penix go this high? Maybe, but he is a legit future NFL starter. And he can play right away. Now, it is about adding help around him. The Patriots receive a bounty of picks, move down, and still land a passer.
12. Denver Broncos: Florida State EDGE Jared Verse
Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The Broncos have lots of holes and attempted to move up, but the Raiders and Vikings had better offers. So, the Broncos go with an excellent pass rusher in Jared Verse.
13. Arizona Cardinals from Raiders: Washington WR Rome Odunze
Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) catches a pass against Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) during the second quarter in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals are sitting pretty for the next couple of drafts with an abundance of picks due to smart trades. Here, they land their future No. 1 wide receiver, Washington’s Rome Odunze—a steal here for Arizona.
14. (TRADE) Washington Commanders from New Orleans Saints: Penn State OT Olu Fashanu
Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Ryan Field on September 30, 2023 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Washington GM Adam Peters is shocked to see Fashanu on the board, so he makes a big move, trading both of the Commanders’ second-round picks and another selection to grab their franchise left tackle. Washington coming away with Maye and Fashanu could be franchise-altering moves.
15. Indianapolis Colts: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts wished Washington had moved here, but they stick at No. 15 and landed a productive, high-effort edge rusher in Laiatu Latu.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Texas DT Byron Murphy II
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates after a play during the second quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
New head coach Mike Macdonald needs help on the D-line and adds a stud interior rusher to kick off his defensive rebuild.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell
Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
The Jaguars land perhaps the draft’s top cornerback, Mitchell. Had Mitchell played in the SEC, he may have gone in the top 10—a future All-Pro.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The Bengals listened to trade offers but rarely ever move. Here, they add Tee Higgins’ future replacement, ensuring that Joe Burrow will have a top option across from Ja’Marr Chase for years to come.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Illinois DT Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton
Braedyn Locke #18 of the Wisconsin Badgers fumbles the ball as Jer’Zhan Newton #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini makes the hit during the first half at Memorial Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Aaron Donald’s retirement left a massive hole that can never be filled, but the Rams must try. Newton is an excellent plug-and-play first-round pick who will help the Rams immediately.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Washington OT Troy Fautanu
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (OL19) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers are sitting pretty here with needs along the offensive line and several top options remaining. Fautanu could go as high as No. 10, so Pittsburgh is happy here because he can play tackle or kick inside to guard. Regardless, he’s a first-year starter.
21. Miami Dolphins: Alabama OT JC Latham
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) celebrates with a cow bell in Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University. Alabama defeated Mississippi State 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Another player falls that could easily land inside the top 10 or 15. Latham gives the Dolphins immediate help on the offensive line. Miami could go in several directions here, but Latham is too good to pass up.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Duke OL Graham Barton
Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Surprise. We thought of going with Alabama CB Terrion Arnold here, but Eagles GM Howie Roseman places an emphasis on the trenches. Graham Barton is outstanding, and he can play tackle or guard for the Eagles. On an offensive line that is getting older, Barton’s addition is vital.
23. New England Patriots from Vikings via Texans: Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton
Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots follow the Commanders’ path here by selecting a quarterback and future left tackle with two first-round picks. Guyton has a high ceiling.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Arizona OT Jordan Morgan
Offensive lineman Jordan Morgan #77 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Cowboys badly need an offensive tackle. Morgan was a terrific college player and immediately becomes the starting left tackle in Dallas.
25. Green Bay Packers: Alabama CB Terrion Arnold
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Terrion Arnold (3) celebrates after an incomplete pass during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Packers always find good value, and Arnold represents tremendous value here. Green Bay could also go with an offensive tackle.
26: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Buccaneers are thrilled to have the draft’s top center fall into their laps. Powers-Johnson is a perfect replacement for Ryan Jensen.
27: Arizona Cardinals from Texans: Clemson CB Nate Wiggins
Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals after an earlier trade down, pick here because of last year’s trade down. Arizona lands Nate Wiggins, giving it a playmaking cornerback for head coach Jonathan Gannon—a good first round for the Cards.
28. Buffalo Bills: Texas WR Adonai Mitchell
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) catches a touchdown pass against Washington Huskies running back Ryder Bumgarner (25) during the fourth quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Bills have no choice but to select a wide receiver here. Mitchell has a ton of potential due to his size/speed combination. He gives Josh Allen something much different from Stefon Diggs. Don’t be surprised if Allen helps Mitchell become a star.
29. Detroit Lions: Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) gestures in celebration after Tennessee failed to convert a 4th down in the fourth quarter of a football game between Tennessee and Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
The Lions need more help in the secondary and are thrilled to see McKinstry fall to them. Detroit will look for help at guard in the second round.
30. Baltimore Ravens: BYU OT Kingsley Suamataia
Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (78) against Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Myles Cole (6) in there first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
The Ravens need some help on the offensive line here, and they chose Suamataia. The BYU star is young and hasn’t even come close to reaching his potential. The Ravens will help him get there—and soon.
No. 31: San Francisco 49ers: Georgia OT Amarius Mims
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) and offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The perfect pick for the 49ers. If Mims reaches his full potential, watch out. Trent Williams is amazing but he can’t play forever. In Mims, San Francisco lands a super-raw prospect with some question marks. However, with good coaching, he can be a franchise cornerstone. He can play right tackle as a rookie.
No. 32: Kansas City Chiefs: Texas WR Xavier Worthy
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) runs the ball during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals game against the Washington Huskies at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Patrick Mahomes throwing to Xavier Worthy? Watch out. This is a perfect place for Worthy. Add Worthy to a young group that includes Rashee Rice, and Mahomes immediately has a potentially dominant group of offensive playmakers.
