2024 NFL Draft – Way Too Early Mock Draft 1.0

The time has come when we decide who each team should select in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. We’ll be conducting this way too early mock draft, which should give you an idea of who the top prospects in the 2024 class are.

We all know strange things happen all the time in the NFL. For example, the Giants were a playoff team in 2022 but now are on the brink of selecting their next Franchise quarterback. Will the Patriots have the same coaching staff next year? Furthermore, is the SEC still the dominant powerhouse in NFL Drafts? Reminder, it’s early, so don’t be upset until the card has been turned in to the NFL Commissioner. Let’s get into it.

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

The Bears aren’t going to be a dangerous team until they find the right man to lead the offense. Justin Fields was never that guy, Caleb Williams, on the other hand, is one of the most explosive prospects in recent history. It might take a few seasons to turn this Bears team into their previous dominance but if Williams declares, he will be the No. 1 pick.

2.) New York Giants: Drake Maye QB, North Carolina

Viewers might be confused about this selection. Why would the New York Giants select a quarterback one year after paying Daniel Jones? Well, here’s why… The Giants most likely won’t be in this spot again anytime soon. More importantly, the Giants can get out of Jones’ contract after 2025. Whoever is drafted here, will more than likely be starting by that point. Plus, the Giants new regime finally drafts a guy they’ve scouted for years.

3.) New England Patriots: Olumuyiwa Fashanu OT, Penn State

Marvin Harrison is falling down boards in this mock but that’s certainly not because he’s not good. He’s great. However, the first two teams need a quarterback. Additionally, the Patriots could also look to take one here. However, if the new regime (assuming there will be one) is smart, they’ll look to build the trenches instead of getting fancy with their selection. Fashanu is the best offensive tackle to come out since Penei Sewell back in 2021.

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

The potential Heisman winner of 2023, Marvin Harrison Jr. keeps getting better each week. If you ask me, he is the best wide receiver prospect since 2007 when we saw Julio Jones being selected. Needless to say, he’s absolutely worth the hype and should be near the top of any mock drafts this year.

5.) Chicago Bears: Keon Coleman WR, Florida State

A transfer from Michigan State, Coleman was bound to transfer to a big-name school. Whether it was to compete for a championship (Florida State) or to be drafted based on recent wide receiver history (Ole Miss). In the end, he chose the right school. Not to mention, he might be playing in the College Football Playoffs and also end up being a top-10 pick.

6.) Green Bay Packers: Joe Alt OT, Notre Dame

The simple explanation for this selection? David Bakhtiari’s replacement. Joe Alt is being talked about as a potential 1a and 1b selection behind Penn State’s Fashanu. Just like in 2021 when Sewell and Rashawn Slater were being talked about being 1a and 1b.

7.) Los Angeles Rams: Brock Bowers TE, Georgia

An offense consisting of Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Brock Bowers would be lethal. The Rams have to play a Bowers-like player in George Kittle twice every year, so they know what an elite tight end can do. They’ve tried to get the position going in the past, but no one has really taken over the TE1 role in LA.

8.) Tennessee Titans: Amarius Mims OT, Georgia

With this pick, the Tennessee Titans continue to bolster their offensive line for Will Levis. A trade-back could be in consideration here. Finally, look out for a potential Derrick Henry off-season trade as well.

9.) Denver Broncos: Malik Nabers WR, LSU

With the injury history of the Broncos’ current wide receivers, and the future of Jerry Jeudy being in the air, Nabers would fill in as their WR1. Courtland Sutton and Jeudy have both shown flashes, but neither has been able to really step forward and become that WR1 in Denver.

10.) Atlanta Falcons: Jared Verse EDGE, Florida State

Verse hasn’t lit up the stat sheet this year but coming into the season, he was my No. 1 pass rusher. Atlanta attempted to trade for a pass rusher at the deadline, instead, they will look to draft one here.

11.) Washington Commanders: Laiatu Latu EDGE, UCLA

Latu would replace Chase Young or Montez Sweat. Instead of overpaying for the pair of pass rushers, they receive draft picks and select a future pass rusher to hopefully help fill some holes.

12.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rome Odunze WR, Washington

What will happen with Mike Evans? If he is in fact moving on to another team, don’t be surprised if the Buccaneers go wide receiver early. I don’t trust any of the remaining quarterbacks at this time in the draft process to mock one this early.

13.) New York Jets: JC Latham OT, Alabama

The Jets’ main priority should be protecting the quarterback, they might trade for Packers’ David Bakhtiari. However, if they don’t, the offensive line should be the pick.

14.) Los Angeles Chargers: Chop Robinson EDGE, Penn State

Khalil Mack is getting up there in age, Robinson’s ability to learn behind him and play alongside Mack and Bosa would be a great addition.

15.) Indianapolis Colts: Kool-Aid McInstry CB, Alabama

Yes, a man named Kool-Aid is about to enter the NFL. A lot of teams view him as the top corner, which tells me this class isn’t the best. However, the Indianapolis Colts are desperate to find one corner who can play in coverage. Needless to say, McInstry can be that guy.

16.) Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr. QB, Washington

If there’s one team who should select Penix, it’s the Raiders. Jimmy G isn’t doing well. That being said, Penix might rejuvenate this franchise.

17.) Buffalo Bills: Kalen King CB, Penn State

Tre’Davious White just returned from an ACL tear, now he will be returning from an Achilles tear in 2024. Therefore, cornerback makes sense here for the Bills. King is the best one remaining on my board.

18.) Cincinnati Bengals: Taliese Fuaga OT, Oregon State

It’s clear the Cincinnati Bengals still lack the offensive line that Burrow desperately needs. Why not select a versatile one this year?

19.) New Orleans Saints: Jer’Zhan Newton DL, Illinois

New Orleans has every other position filled except IDL. Personally, I believe Newton might be the best interior lineman in the class.

20.) Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Dallas Turner EDGE, Alabama

Since the end of the 2022 season, the Arizona Cardinals haven’t been able to replace JJ Watt. Maybe they can in this year’s draft. Turner, a projected top-10 pick at the start of the year, falls to the mid-round part of the draft.

21.) Minnesota Vikings: Bralen Trice EDGE, Washington

Minnesota could certainly go quarterback here considering Kirk Cousins’ age and current Achilles injury. However, I’ve been impressed and I think ownership has as well with Josh Dobbs. Personally, I think they should build around Dobbs until he shows he’s not their guy.

22.) Dallas Cowboys: Cooper DeJean CB, Iowa

With Trevon Diggs coming off a season-ending injury. DeJean could help ease Diggs back into the playing field while he gets healthy.

23.) Pittsburgh Steelers: J.T. Tuimoloau EDGE, Ohio State

The duo of Watt and Highsmith is beginning to show potential. Adding another pass rusher to that AFC North is what the Steelers should look to do.

24.) Houston Texans (via CLE): Xavier Worthy WR, Texas

CJ Stroud is going to win Rookie of the Year, now go out and get him more weapons. A duo of Tank Dell and Xavier Worthy would bring exciting times to Houston.

25.) Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton OT, Duke

Barton was drawing potential top-10 praise. In this mock, he slips to the end of the round. Taking an offensive lineman here would help the Miami Dolphins continue to bolster this electric, fire-powered offense.

26.) Seattle Seahawks: Kamari Lassiter CB, Georgia

Seattle loves to select prospects who need a little development. That’s what Lassiter is for, Witherspoon was selected to start this year, so why not add another corner in the first round this year for the future?

27.) San Francisco 49ers: Nate Wiggins CB, Clemson

Despite having a solid defense, the San Francisco 49ers still lack depth at the corner position. Wiggins would come in and compete as a starter immediately.

28.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Troy Franklin WR, Oregon

Calvin Ridley is still on his rookie deal. He’s also about to be 29. Looking towards the future of the receiver position isn’t off the table.

29.) Baltimore Ravens: Denzel Burke CB, Ohio State

The Ravens are in dire need of corner depth just like the 49ers. Marlon Humphrey seems to get hurt a lot so taking a corner in round 1 makes sense.

30.) Detroit Lions: Josh Newton CB, TCU

It seems the top teams in the NFL lack depth at cornerback.  Well, the Lions need a starting corner. Look for them to scout heavily at this position this year.

31.) Kansas City Chiefs: Johnny Wilson WR, Florida State

A 6’7 wide receiver? He’s going to be looked at heavily this offseason. Mahomes has never had a guy this tall to throw the ball to. The Kansas City Chiefs desperately need a stud WR1.

32.) Philadelphia Eagles: Leonard Taylor lll DL, Miami

Fletcher Cox is nearing retirement. More importantly, we know the Philadelphia Eagles love depth in the trenches. I expect them to go this route this off-season if they don’t sign a few players for depth purposes.