Michael Gaither’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft
A dramatic NFL Conference Championship Weekend ended with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers going to Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas. For the other 30 teams in the league, it’s officially the offseason, and we’re fewer than 90 days out from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. Here are my predictions for how this year’s first round will play out.
Chicago Bears - Caleb Williams: QB, USC - The Bears have a big decision upcoming. Should they keep Justin Fields and trade this pick, or trade Fields and grab one of the top quarterbacks in this class? Ultimately, it makes the most sense for them to reset the rookie quarterback contract clock and grab one of the most physically talented passers in recent memory in USC’s Caleb Williams. Caleb Williams is in a tier of his own at the quarterback position. The former Trojans star and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner has an elite arm and natural playmaking skills. He'll be fun in Shane Waldron's offense that unlocked Geno Smith into his 30s.
Washington Commanders - Drake Maye: QB, North Carolina - The Commanders could be intrigued by LSU’s Jayden Daniels and his dual-threat skill set here, but Drake Maye has a better frame than Dainels, has a better arm than Dainels and can do plenty of things as a scrambler and runner himself. The former Tar Heels star gives this new ownership group - led by Josh Harris - and this new coaching staff, under newly hired coach Dan Quinn, a good foundation to build upon. Washington already has a young quarterback in Sam Howell, but much like the Bears, the likely scenario sees them opting for a new franchise passer at this spot.
New England Patriots - Jayden Daniels: QB, LSU - The Mac Jones era is pretty much over in New England, as it's very likely that the Patriots won’t pick up his fifth-year option, and Bailey Zappe is just not a starting-caliber passer. Jerod Mayo should have a solid defense to work with in his first season as the Patriots’ new head coach, but until he gets the quarterback situation figured out, this team could struggle to compete in the AFC East. Daniels brings an electric skill set to this offense, boasting an accurate deep ball and the ability to make big plays with his legs.
Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison, Jr.: WR, Ohio State - All signs indicate that the Cardinals will continue to build around Kyler Murray, and what better way to do that than by getting him a true number-one receiver? Marvin Harrison Jr. has elite length, blazing speed, and natural pass-catching skills, and he would pair well with ascending star tight end Trey McBride. Arguably the best player in this draft, the 2023 Biletnikoff award winner and two-time All-American with the Hall of Fame bloodlines(his father is NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, Sr.) has averaged better than 1,200 receiving yards and 14 TDs over the past two seasons. Harrison might be the best product issuing from what seems like a Buckeyes-receiving assembly line, and even if speedster Marquise Brown re-signs in Arizona, it likely wouldn’t take Harrison long to emerge as QB Kyler Murray’s No. 1 target, something he didn’t have from the wideout position following the departure of DeAndre Hopkins.
Los Angeles Chargers - Brock Bowers: TE, Georgia - The tight end position will be a big focus for the Chargers with Jim Harbaugh taking over as head coach, and he loved using both Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. Los Angeles may move on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. The depletion of the Chargers pass catchers will be neutralized with the selection of Bowers.
New York Giants - Malik Nabers: WR, LSU - The Giants have a handful of dynamic, role-playing receivers in Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, and Wan’Dale Robinson. If this offense wants to leap with Daniel Jones in 2024, he’ll need a true number-one receiver. Malik Nabers is a force multiplier, bringing explosive speed and creativity after the catch. Nabers’ raw speed is still an understated part of his game, but don’t be surprised to see a 40 time around 4.40 seconds or faster. He’d slot in nicely to a Giants offense that hasn’t had a legitimate number-one target since fellow former Bayou Bengal Odell Beckham Jr. got traded following the 2018 season. Big Blue hasn’t even had an 800-yard receiver since.
Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt: OT, Notre Dame - Tennessee looks set for a transition year under new head coach Brian Callahan, whose first goal will be to make things easier on second-year quarterback Will Levis. Grabbing an athletic, towering left tackle in Joe Alt could do the trick. Dropping Alt in at left tackle next to last year’s first-rounder, Peter Skoronski could solidify the left side of Tennessee’s line for years to come. Alt could be a great left tackle in the NFL, and his size, athleticism, and strength combination are something you don’t often see. He leaped to blue-chip-level play in pass protection and the run game. Despite his 6-foot-8 frame and long arms, Alt plays with good pad level, balance, and control, and his footwork is efficient.
Atlanta Falcons - Dallas Turner: DE, Alabama - Opposing quarterbacks felt comfortable against Atlanta's pass rush last season. Dallas Turner gives the Falcons a player capable of moving the needle. Quarterback is the glaring issue for new HC Raheem Morris and this team to solve, but for now, let’s assume that doesn’t mean settling for the fourth passer off the board. It’s not like this defense doesn’t need attention. They struggled to generate pressure in recent seasons, and their top two sack leaders, Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, are probably leaving in free agency. Dallas Turner was the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC last season while racking up ten sacks and could easily occupy Dupree’s spot.
Chicago Bears - Rome Odunze: WR, Washington - The Bears help Caleb Williams by adding a big-bodied playmaker in Rome Odunze. The former Huskies star is a twitchy, athletic route runner who dominates at the catch point. Opposite DJ Moore, he gives Williams a much better chance of hitting the ground running as a rookie.
New York Jets - Olumuyiwa Fashanu: OT, Penn State - If the New York Jets want to make a run at competing next year with Aaron Rodgers under center, it would behoove them to get better up front. Fashanu is a fantastic blocker with the skill set to start in either tackle spot. Many believed New York would select an offensive tackle in last year's draft, but the emphasis is even greater this year with Aaron Rodgers returning. The Jets are going all in on the upcoming season because it could be Rodgers' last, and Robert Saleh's job is on the line if the team has another disappointing season.
Minnesota Vikings - Laiatu Latu: DE, UCLA - Edge rusher is a popular pick for Minnesota and will remain as such until we find out whether Marcus Davenport and Danielle Hunter will return next season. Plus, D.J. Wonnum will be coming back from injury.
Denver Broncos - Bo Nix: QB, Oregon - Bo Nix became a great point guard after transferring to Oregon, and that's what Sean Payton would ask him to do in his offense. Nix appears to have significantly more upside than Broncos journeyman placeholder Jarrett Stidham, not to mention the accuracy – nearly 75% in two seasons with the Ducks – Broncos coach Sean Payton values, plus having a nose for the goal line (38 rushing TDs in five college seasons).
Las Vegas Raiders - J.J. McCarthy: QB, Michigan - Las Vegas is moving in another direction after starting Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O'Connell last season. J.J. McCarthy is a prospect who should benefit from the pre-draft process, as he effectively displays his potential.
New Orleans Saints - Taliese Fuaga: OT, Oregon State - There used to be fewer higher priorities in the Big Easy than the O-line, especially the interior. The massive Taliese Fuaga, who stands at 6’6”, 334 lbs., could bolster the inside blocking immediately and perhaps shift to his more familiar right tackle post over time.
Indianapolis Colts - Nate Wiggins: CB, Clemson - Indianapolis found quality depth at cornerback in last year's draft but needs that one player capable of being the alpha who can work on an island. The Colts' secondary needs help at corner and safety, and since the Colts can find better value at safety on the second day of the draft, they opt for one of the top corners in the class here. Nate Wiggins has an impressive blend of height, length, and ball skills to make big plays happen anytime the quarterback throws his way.
Seattle Seahawks - Jared Verse: DE, Florida State - The Seahawks love playmakers on defense. Jared Verse is a disruptive force coming off the edge. The Seahawks hired former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald as their new head coach, and giving him another defensive piece to work with would go a long way in improving Seattle’s defense. Verse has an extremely high motor and would probably go in the top five had he not had a down year in production.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Terrion Arnold: CB, Alabama - The Jaguars don’t have any great defensive players outside of Josh Allen, who had a breakout season this year with 17.5 sacks. Although I could also see them grabbing another receiver or an offensive lineman to help the development of quarterback Trevor Lawerence, the choice here is Terrion Arnold. Arnold is one of the best defensive backs in this draft class and was very productive for the Crimson Tide this season. Plus, you can never have too many good corners on a roster, especially those who played under Nick Saban.
Cincinnati Bengals - Brian Thomas, Jr.: WR, LSU - Both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd will be free agents this offseason. If either pass catcher leaves, the team should bolster the pass-catching group around Joe Burrow. Brian Thomas, Jr.’s electric, field-stretching speed fits perfectly alongside another former LSU star in Ja’Marr Chase.
Los Angeles Rams - Amarius Mims: OT, Georgia - The Los Angeles Rams, who haven’t made a pick in the first round since 2016, shoot for massive upside here in Mims. The former Georgia offensive lineman is very raw, with just eight starts to his name, but he brings elite traits that will help him develop into a high-level blocker at the next level.
Pittsburgh Steelers - J.C. Latham: OT, Alabama - A recently neglected line would have a nice pair of long-term bookends by coupling Latham with last year’s first-rounder, Broderick Jones. More offensive line help in what is a vital season in 2024 for Kenny Pickett.
Miami Dolphins - Troy Fautanu: OT, Washington - Miami has struggled with offensive line injuries over the past two years. Troy Fautanu has positional flexibility that addresses those injuries but also gives the Dolphins options to replace their interior offensive linemen eligible for free agency.
Philadelphia Eagles - Kool-Aid McKinstry: CB, Alabama - The Eagles must address their secondary early in the draft. Kool-Aid McKinstry has long looked like a future first-round pick on the field. Philadelphia needs help in the secondary, and McKinstry is a steal here with his experience and confidence.
Houston Texans - Byron Murphy II: DT, Texas - DeMeco Ryans' defense made huge strides in his first year as the head coach, but they’re still missing key pieces. One of them is a disruptive interior presence who can make big plays in the opposing backfield, and despite his lack of ideal size, Byron Murphy's explosiveness would be the perfect fit.
Dallas Cowboys - Jordan Morgan: OT, Arizona - Tyron Smith’s time is running out in Dallas, and the Cowboys need to find his replacement sooner rather than later. One of the final All-Pac-12 performers, Morgan would bring youth to Dallas’ front while maybe keeping Tyler Smith at guard, where the former college left tackle has performed very well. This offensive line could have needs across the board this offseason, so the Cowboys should look for a versatile blocker who can line up on the edge or along the interior.
Green Bay Packers - Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa - Another defense that needs help at both levels of the secondary, the Packers also love elite athletes who test well, which should put Cooper DeJean at the top of their target list. He's a versatile playmaker who can line up outside at corner, in the slot, or on the back end at safety, and even brings value as a dangerous return man.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Demeioun "Chop" Robinson: DE, Penn State - The Bucs are likely to move on from veteran Shaq Barrett for salary cap reasons, and they're unlikely to pick up the fifth-year option on 2021 first-rounder Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. That means they'll need another explosive pass rusher to pair with rookie sensation YaYa Diaby, and Robinson might have the best first step in this year's class.
Arizona Cardinals - Quinyon Mitchell: CB, Toledo - Quinyon Mitchell had been a draft riser for the past couple of months now, and the first day of Senior Bowl practice had him looking like a first-round pick. Getting day-one starters at wide receiver and cornerback will go a long way to helping the Cardinals rebuild.
Buffalo Bills - Xavier Legette: WR, South Carolina - Stefon Diggs is still one of the league's best route-runners, but Josh Allen needs more juice from the rest of his receiver group. Xavier Legette has the physicality you'd expect from a 6’1”, 227-pound receiver. He also has the elite speed to go along with his impressive frame, making opposing defenders look silly as he leaves them in the dust after the catch.
Detroit Lions - Kamari Lassiter: CB, Georgia - Detroit addresses a position of need, grabbing an instinctive defensive back. Kamari Lassiter is savvy at reading a quarterback’s eyes to jump into pass lanes and make a play on the ball. He’s a versatile DB who can play in both man and zone—and he will give Detroit a big-time playmaker in the secondary. Detroit has been adding building blocks ever since making the Matthew Stafford trade. Kamari Lassiter gives the Lions a player who could be within the organization for a decade rather than the short-term options they have been adding to fill a need recently.
Baltimore Ravens - Keon Coleman: WR, Florida State - Odell Beckham Jr. is a free agent after the season. Former first-round pick Rashod Bateman has not been reliable. Keon Coleman is a bigger-bodied target who can win down the field for Lamar Jackson. He should pair nicely with Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews.
Kansas City Chiefs - Troy Franklin: WR, Oregon - The Chiefs need another outside receiver to pair up with Rashee Rice, and Troy Franklin has excellent deep speed. Left tackle is also a strong possibility here, but with a run on receivers likely to happen between this spot and the Chiefs' second-round selection, they could opt for a top pass-catcher instead. Franklin is a smooth route-runner with the explosiveness to take the top off the defense or turn short catches into huge gains.
San Francisco 49ers - Tyler Guyton: OT, Oklahoma - 49ers RT Colton McKivitz surrendered 55 pressures in 2023, per Pro Football Focus, fourth worst at the position. The Niners could use an upgrade. Tyler Guyton is still developing with just 14 starts in his career, but he’s athletic, long, and physical. Tyler Guyton would be the best player available at this spot since the Niners don’t have any glaring team needs.
