2024 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Picks 1-15

With around a month until the NFL Draft, taking place this year in Detroit, teams scramble to find their next superstar and franchise cornerstones. In the past, we have seen the impact of a good draft class on the success of a team. Take a look at the Kansas City Chiefs, who won the two most recent Super Bowl 57 and 58, their 2022 draft class is thought to be one of the best in recent memory.

Note: This mock draft is made on March 22, which is post draft combine and Free Agency, and WITH trades. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons would not take a quarterback because they signed Kirk Cousins in Free Agency.

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1. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

The Bears have been stuck with the same dilemma for most of the latter part of the season: whether to keep Justin Fields. Although the fanbase has been largely split on this decision, it is pretty clear after Fields is traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers that the front office has decided to move on from Fields, which makes sense considering the large contract extension he is due to receive once his rookie deal expires. Williams, the 2022 Heisman winner, has been the clear number 1 overall pick for the last year. Although his 2023 campaign was a let down from his previous season, he continued to solidify his position as the best quarterback in the draft. Throwing for 30 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions, Williams’s arm strength, mobility, and ability as an improviser when plays break down draws comparisons to MVP Patrick Mahomes. He can no doubt be one of the best quarterbacks in the league within 5 years.

Player Comparison: Patrick Mahomes

2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

With the new arrival of head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters, it is not a surprise that the Commanders are looking in a different direction at quarterback after an up and down year from sophomore Sam Howell. The Commanders go from one UNC quarterback to another, selecting the sophomore Maye, who is by wide consensus the second best quarterback in the draft. After losing top receivers Josh Downs and Antoine Green in the 2023 NFL draft, Maye experienced a poorer season compared to 2022. However, his prototypical size at 6’4 230 lbs with elite pocket passing precision and arm talent should attract a lot of teams, and earn him a starting spot immediately.

Player Comparison: Justin Herbert

3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

The 2023 Heisman winner experienced a breakout this past year, amounting nearly 4,000 passing yards and over 1,000 rushing yards alongside 50 total touchdowns. The Patriots recently traded former first round quarterback Mac Jones to the Jaguars, which most likely solidifies their intent on drafting a quarterback. For new head coach Jerod Mayo, Daniels brings a rare blend of speed, evasiveness, and explosiveness as a runner. While as a passer, he has shown above average arm strength, and an ability to fit throws into tight windows. Only concern for Daniels is his slim frame at 6’4 210 lbs which holds teams back on taking him higher in the draft. This build is similar to 2014 first rounder Teddy Bridgewater, whose career has been derailed with injuries.

Player Comparison: Lamar Jackson

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

The son of Hall of Famer and Colts legend Marvin Harrison Sr., Harrison Jr. is no doubt the best wide receiver in this year’s draft. The Ohio State Buckeye is coming off a second consecutive 1,200+ yard season, despite inconsistent quarterback play after the departure of CJ Stroud. With Hollywood Brown signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in Free Agency, the Cardinals are desperate to find a new WR1 for franchise quarterback Kyler Murray. MHJ brings a very different game compared to Brown, he excels in jump ball and contested catch situations, while being an excellent athlete with vertical speed and a diverse route tree. Third round pick Michael Wilson experienced a very promising rookie season, and with the addition of MHJ, the Cardinals look to have one of the best young WR duos in the league.

Player Comparison: A.J. Green

5. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan (MOCK TRADE WITH LOS ANGELES CHARGERS)

Vikings fans may not like this… but they are desperate for a quarterback after Kirk Cousins signed a 4 year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. They brought in Sam Darnold to compete with Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall, but I don’t think anyone in the Vikings organization plan to have them as the week 1 starter. After trading with the Houston Texans for the 23rd pick, they seem to be preparing a massive package that involves both first round picks to move into the top 5 for their franchise quarterback. Despite what the general NFL fanbase may think, McCarthy is miles ahead of any quarterback on the Vikings roster. Although the production may not be the highest, mainly due to the Michigan offensive scheme, McCarthy possesses many traits that show his capability to be above average in the NFL. He has a strong arm and throws with accuracy despite being off platform, while being someone with great mobility.

Player Comparison: Joe Burrow

6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The Giants haven’t had a true WR1 since Odell Beckham Jr. left in 2019. Nabers is arguably the second best receiver in this draft, posting over 1,500 yards in his Junior season. He may be the best RAC (run after catch) receiver in this draft, while also presenting as someone with elite deep speed and reliable hands. There are major questions surrounding the future of quarterback Daniel Jones, whom the Giants gave a big contract to. With the addition of Nabers, this could certainly help Jones bounce back from an injury riddled year. Offensive tackle was also considered with this pick, seeing the down year sophomore Evan Neal had, but Nabers is too good of a player for the Giants to pass on at 6.

Player Comparison: Ja’Marr Chase

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

New head coach Brian Callahan arrives in Tennessee with a lot of needs to address. With all offensive linemen still on the board at the 7th pick, they decide to take the new blindside protector for quarterback Will Levis. Being a former tight end, Alt brings rare movement skills despite his massive size at 6’8 320 lbs. During his final two seasons for the Fighting Irish, he allowed just 1 sack and 13 pressures in 1,600 snaps. Not only was he the highest graded OT in the country, he was also the only OT to be graded above the 85th percentile in both pass and run blocking in 2023.

Player Comparison: Eric Fisher

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

The Falcons have had a very active Free Agency, which includes trading starting quarterback Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals and signing Kirk Cousins to a massive 4 year $180 million contract. They also signed wide receiver Darnell Mooney and traded for former second rounder Rondale Moore. With quarterback and wide receiver seemingly set for the foreseeable future, new head coach Raheem Morris looks to improve on defense. Turner is undoubtedly the best defender in this draft, and taking him at 8 feels like a steal. He is a tremendous athlete, running a 4.46 40-yard dash while posting a 40.5 inch vertical at the NFL combine. When watching the Alabama defense, Turner is a do-it-all player, setting the edge, making tackles in the backfield, sacking the quarterback, or batting down passes. He is an extremely high-upside player, and his impact on the Atlanta defense should be felt day 1.

Player Comparison: Brian Burns

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

The Bears would have liked to pair Dallas Turner with Montez Sweat, but with him off the board, they continue to load up on the offense. Odunze is the best player available and addresses a position they still need despite trading for Keenan Allen, who is under contract for only 1 year. The Washington Junior is a refined route runner, with great ball skills and ball tracking down the field. He does not flash elite speed, but still finds a way to beat defenders down the field using his physicality to “box-out” defenders, and his production is certainly one of the best at over 1,600 yards last year. First overall pick Caleb Williams arrives in Chicago with one of the best receiver trios in the league.

Player Comparison: A.J. Brown

10. New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State (MOCK TRADE WITH NEW YORK JETS)

2022 first round pick Trevor Penning has struggled in his first two years in the league, and with Fashanu still on the board at 10, Saints jump up the board to double dip on left tackle within 3 years. Fashanu has the ideal size and strength of a NFL tackle and may be the best pass protector in this draft, which is especially important for the left tackle position that covers the blindside of most quarterbacks. Although he is not an exceptional run blocker, he has shown improvements in 2023 and has the athletic ability to become a better moving blocker. However at times, Fashanu has shown to be prone against speed to power rushers, especially in the Ohio State game against J.T. Tuimoloau.

Player Comparison: Laremy Tunsil

11. Los Angeles Chargers: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State (MOCK TRADE WITH MINNESOTA VIKINGS)

In head coach Jim Harbaugh’s first draft since returning to the NFL, he looks to build through the trenches. Fuaga slides in perfectly at right tackle, which he played at Oregon State. He pairs with Rashawn Slater to become the best young tackle duo in the league for franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Fuaga is a dominating run blocker, often times taking defenders to the ground at the second level. As a pass blocker, he has immense balance combined with his size and powerful hands.

Player Comparison: Penei Sewell

12. Miami Dolphins: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State (MOCK TRADE WITH DENVER BRONCOS)

The Dolphins lost Christian Wilkins and Andrew Van Ginkel in Free Agency, and with the injury histories of Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, they look to upgrade their defensive line in a trade up with the Broncos. Verse is arguably the second best edge in this draft, and played all over the defensive line for the Seminoles in 2023. With perhaps the best bull rush in this draft, he explodes off the edge and will often drive the opposing linemen into the quarterback or collapse the pocket. Additionally, he displays the ability to use speed and hand swipes to get past tackles on the edge. His elite use of pass rushing moves goes hand to hand with his production, where he posted 9 sacks in his two final years in college. With aging players on the team, the Dolphins look to be in a win-now mode, and adding Verse should help.

Player Comparison: Khalil Mack

13. Las Vegas Raiders: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

The Raiders did not have much success in their first try at an Alabama tackle in the first round, when they took Alex Leatherwood in 2021. But after starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor left for the Giants in Free Agency, the Raiders hope to find a replacement in the draft to pair with Kolton Miller. Latham is one with immense size and physicality. At 6’5 340 lbs, he is a dominant run blocker, often putting defenders to the turf at the second level. Against power rushers, Latham’s massive frame makes it hard for anyone to over-power him. When he gets his hands on the rusher, any attempt at getting past him is stopped. His only flaw is against speed rushers who are able to bend around him at the edge or use stunts to catch him off-guard. Las Vegas does not address the quarterback position here, but they can still do so in the second round.

Player Comparison: Broderick Jones

14. New York Jets: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU (MOCK TRADE WITH NEW ORLEANS SAINTS)

Despite signing wide receiver Mike Williams in Free Agency, it was only a 1 year deal, meaning the Jets still need to add more help for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off an Achilles tear. Thomas Jr. should be credited just as much as teammates Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers for the success of the Tigers offense in 2023. He led the FBS with 17 touchdown catches this past season, and was overall a big-play machine, averaging 17.3 yards per catch. Aside from his obvious top-end speed, Thomas Jr. presents a very large radius due to his lanky frame and consistent hands. At the next level, Thomas Jr. has the potential to become a true WR1 with a more developed route tree. His pairing with Garrett Wilson should make Jets fans very happy for years to come.

Player Comparison: Nico Collins

15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Don’t let the name of the school fool you, Mitchell may be the best cornerback in this year’s draft. With Kenny Moore being one of the best slot corners in the league, the Colts are still looking for a boundary corner opposite of 2023 second rounder JuJu Brents. Mitchell, similar to Brents, fits the height, weight, speed criteria that Colts GM Chris Ballard looks for in cornerbacks. He excels in off coverage, and has excellent anticipation to break downhill on balls thrown his way. Additionally, his speed allows him to recover easily on receivers that run past him. In 2022, he had plenty of ball production, racking up 19 pass deflections alongside 5 picks. His production experienced a drop in 2023, but that was because quarterbacks rarely threw his way.

Player Comparison: Charvarius Ward