It is getting closer and closer to the NFL Draft and fans are anxious to see what players will be taken in the first round. This 2024 draft class is absolutely stacked with talent and a lot of teams will be upgrading this offseason. As I do this mock draft, I will be doing without any trades due to that being very unpredictable. I will be doing this strictly of team needs and some of my opinion. Also, this is just what the draft order is now, obviously this is subject to change. With that being said, let’s get into it.
Chicago Bears- WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)
- Justin Fields needs weapons plain and simple. He is too dynamic of a playmaker throwing the ball to just limit him to his feet. I think taking Harrison here makes total sense and sets them up with a lethal quarterback/wide receiver duo.
- New England Patriots- QB Caleb Williams (USC)
- The Patriots have zero identity on offense and no quarterback to build around. Taking arguably the best player in the draft in Caleb Williams seems like a no brainer. Although we do not know what the future holds for Bill Belichick, he simply cannot pass up taking Williams here.
Arizona Cardinals- OL Olu Fashanu (Penn State)
- If Arizona cannot find a way to sneak away from the massive contract the Kyler Murray has, then drafting an absolute stud offensive lineman to protect him will be the next best thing. Oul Fashanu has been spectacular for Penn State in his tenure there and he will make an immediate impact on whatever team drafts him. At 6’6 317 pounds, he is an absolute mauler on the line.
Washington Commanders- OL Joe Alt (Notre Dame)
- Sam Howell is the most sacked quarterback in the NFL at the moment. They need to find a way to get some protection and taking Joe Alt at the 4th pick is perfect for them. Alt is a prototypical blindside protector. Measuring 6’8 and 322 pounds he is a massive upgrade anywhere on the line. He played Tight End and has now shifted to the O-Line in college, so he has the ability to show off his athleticism out in space. I think him and Fashanu are interchangeable in this years draft.
Chicago Bears- DL Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
- Now, this is definitely a spot where I can see the Bears trading down. But, there are not trades in this mock so I have Chicago taking one of the best edge rushers in this class. Latu is one of if not the most explosive pass rusher in this class, he is naturally elusive and his initial burst off the line is incredibly impressive. His only setback is his injury history. Latu medically retired from football back in 2020 due to a neck injury. Despite that I think that Chicago should definitely take a chance on him here.
New York Jets- WR Malik Nabers (LSU)
- With Aaron Rodgers eyeing a return next season, the Jets will need a #2 guy to along with star receiver Garrett Wilson. There is no one better than Malik Nabers out of LSU. He is an explosive route-runner and is extremely fluid in and out of his breaks. He tracks the ball exceptionally well and really shows deep threat ability. He should fit just fine in the Jet offense as their Z-receiver and give Rodgers even more weapons that can make plays for him.
New York Giants- QB Drake Maye (North Carolina)
- As much as we all love Tommy Devito, the Giants will need to look for their QB of the future and that is Drake Maye. Maye has everything you could want in an pro QB, he has the size, arm strength and accuracy. Even with how bad the Giants O-Line has been, Maye played behind one of the worst O-Line’s in college football in 2022 and he was still able to put up excellent numbers. It’s time for the Giants to restart and I think that Maye will be an excellent choice for them.
Tennessee Titans- OL JC Latham (Alabama)
- If Will Levis is going to be their Quarterback of the future, they will need to get him some protection. JC Latham from Alabama will be an instant impact for them. He weighs in at 6’6 360 pounds. His strength and size command attention. Latham is prototypical for any NFL scout looking for an elite offensive lineman. He will have the upper hand in pass and run block. He is incredibly fast off the ball for someone his size and can get depth to neutralize pass rushers off the edge. You stick him on the right side of the line and he will not disappoint.
New Orleans Saints- TE Brock Bowers (Georgia)
- I am all about taking best player available if you are able to. Brock Bowers is easily the best player available at the moment. Bowers has been unbelievable the past couple of years and his speed, size and versatility would be really fun to watch paired with Derek Carr and Chris Olave. He has exceptional ball skills and body control and will take on defenders with ease. I think he could easily go Top 5, but if he were to fall, this is the team that would take him.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- QB Jayden Daniels (LSU)
- The Baker Mayfield experiment will be short lived in Tampa as they most certainly take the future Heisman winner in Jayden Daniels. Daniels is the epitome of a dual-threat quarterback. He has the arm strength and speed that will fit in today’s NFL game with the emergence of the RPO offense. Mike Evans leaving is definitely not ideal, but if you have the chance to land your quarterback of the future, you grab him. Personally, I think it is impossible to evaluate quarterback success straight out of college due to the speed and caliber of player is drastically different. But, like I said, if you have the chance, you need to take it.