The Combine and Pro days are complete. The NFL Draft and my final 2024 mock draft are finally here!
Tonight, players will hear their names called over three days in Detroit, Michigan. The Chicago Bears are on the clock. The Bears have two first-round selections. After trading Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, it’s a good bet Caleb Williams will be the first off the boards. After that, Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Marvin Harrison will be waiting for their turns. The Arizona Cardinals have two selections in the first round. Arizona has the most picks with 13.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after defeating the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Michigan defeated Washington 34-13. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings recently acquired an extra pick. Minnesota is the team rumored to be moving up to get a quarterback. They may try to leap the New York Giants and trade up with the Chargers. There could be as many as four quarterbacks taken in the first round. Offensive Line has a ton of depth, and many will be taken on Day one. Joe Alt from Notre Dame could be the first of the group called. Wide Receiver will be a common selection on Thursday night. Three of them could be taken in the top ten. The rest littered over the first round. Cornerback is a strong position this year. Alabama has a couple of players who may go early in Terrion Arnold and everyone’s favorite name Kool-Aid McKinstry. You won’t see any running backs called on day one this year. Last year, we saw Bijan Robinson go to Atlanta. I’m guessing round two they start going. You’ll most likely see Brock Bowers go early day one. He’s the only tight end that is projected to be taken.
Most years we see an abundance of pass-rushing prospects drafted in the first round. There are only a few this year. Dallas Turner from Alabama should go top 15, and Laiatu Latu will go a little later. Carolina, Houston, and Cleveland currently do not have first-round picks. Trades can always change that. It should be a fun weekend!
1.) Chicago - Caleb Williams - Quarterback - University of Southern California
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 02: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans throws a touchdown pass against the Tulane Green Wave in the second quarter of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on January 02, 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Williams is a smooth athlete who can make big plays on the move. He’s accurate and doesn’t turn the ball over much. He seemed to force the ball more this past season. There have been reports that Williams wasn’t very well-liked by his teammates. He has the ability to be a good NFL quarterback.
2.) Washington - Jayden Daniels - Quarterback - Louisiana State University
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 11: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball as Scooby Williams #17 of the Florida Gators falls during the first half at Tiger Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Jayden Daniels had a very good Freshman season at Arizona State. He spent 2 more years there and transferred to LSU. Jayden had a good season and then exploded in 2023. He ran and passed all over his opponents, totaling 50 touchdowns. Daniels has a very strong arm. He has blazing speed and weighed in at 210 lbs at LSU’s pro day, more than some thought he may. Many times, he was quick to tuck the ball and run. If the Heisman winner can let plays develop and run less, it could lengthen his career.
3.) New England - Drake Maye - Quarterback - University of North Carolina
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after a North Carolina Tar Heels touchdown in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Drake Maye is a former 5-star commit to Alabama. He ended up staying at home and becoming a Tar Heel. Maye has good size at 6’4” 223 lbs with room to grow. He’s athletic and can convert first downs with his feet. He can escape the pocket and make deep throws. Maye has the ability to make circus throws when he’s in trouble. Maye can throw a deep strike off his back foot. Sometimes the things that make him great can lead to terrible turnovers. If Maye can get some good weapons around him, he has the chance to succeed. He would be helped with a year or half-season on the bench, allowing him to fix his footwork and develop as a pro.
4.) Arizona - Marvin Harrison - Wide Receiver - Ohio State University
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 31: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding this pick as a trade target. In my opinion, it would be a foolish move to not pair Kyler Murray with Harrison. Arizona addressed the offensive line in free agency. Michael Wilson showed a lot of promise, and Trey McBride looks like a legit tight end.
5.) Los Angeles - Joe Alt - Offensive Tackle - Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – APRIL 22: Joe Alt #76 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on during the Notre Dame Blue-Gold Spring Football Game at Notre Dame Stadium on April 22, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The Chargers are in transition with a new coach. They seem to be focusing more on the running game, and Joe Alt will secure the line. Joe Alt seems like a good start for a team that needs better protection upfront. Alt is one of the safer picks in this draft and should start on the right side. Receiver could be a serious option here. The Chargers traded Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. A trade or Malik Nabers could be the other option.
6.) New York Giants - Malik Nabers - Louisiana State University
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 04: Malik Nabers #8 of the LSU Tigers pulls in this touchdown reception against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Giants could go QB, Receiver, or trade this pick. They need to fill a lot of holes. In 13 games this past season, Nabers failed to reach 100 yards only four times. Malik Nabers had five multi-touchdown games. He’s 6’0” and 200 lbs. Nabers showed off elite athleticism at LSU’s pro day.
7.) Tennessee - Brock Bowers - Tight End - University of Georgia
AUBURN, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 30: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Tennessee signed Calvin Ridley this offseason to go along with DeAndre Hopkins. Adding Bowers will give the Titans a legit playmaker at tight end. Bowers is one of the best pass-catching tight end prospects ever. He’s tough to bring down and finds open field well. He’s a decent blocker. Offensive line could also be an option. Bowers has the potential to fall because of the position he plays.
8.) Atlanta - Dallas Turner - Linebacker/Defensive End - University of Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 23: Dallas Turner #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jordan Watkins #11 of the Mississippi Rebels during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Signing Kirk Cousins was a huge piece for the offense. They’ve drafted a tight end, receiver, running back, and offensive line successfully over the last few seasons. Now it’s time to hit on defense. Turner is a 6’4” 251 lb edge rusher, a team captain who racked up 14.5 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks.
9.) Chicago - Rome Odunze - Wide Receiver - University of Washington
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 01: Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies reacts during the first half against the Texas Longhorns during the CFP Semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 01, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
After drafting a quarterback, Chicago gets a young dominant receiver with great size at 6’3” 217 lbs. 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns with 96 receptions in 2023. He has elite quickness in short breaking routes.
10.) New York Jets - Olu Fashanu - Offensive Tackle - Penn State
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 23: Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after an offensive touchdown during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Beaver Stadium on September 23, 2023 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Jets need an upgrade at the Tackle position. At 6’6” 317 lbs, Fashanu has great size and was a team Captain and academic at Penn State. Quality pass protector and solid in the run game.
11.) Minnesota - JJ McCarthy - Quarterback - University of Michigan
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines throws the ball in the second quarter against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
After Kirk Cousins walked, the Vikings signed Sam Darnold. Darnold could be a short-term starter, giving McCarthy time to develop a little more. The Vikings may need to trade up to draft McCarthy.
12.) Denver - Michael Penix Jr - University of Washington
TUCSON, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Washington Huskies throws a pass during the second half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Penix started his career at Indiana and had some big games against top Big Ten teams. This past season, Penix helped carry Washington to the National Championship where they lost to Michigan. He threw for 4,901 yards and 36 touchdowns this past season. Penix could go anywhere from this pick to early second round.
13.) Las Vegas - Quinyon Mitchell - Cornerback - University of Toledo
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 01: Quinyon Mitchell #DB27 of Toledo participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Mitchell started 40 games at Toledo. He stood out during Senior Bowl week and then went to the combine and stood out again. He was on the 2022 and 2023 All-MAC team and the 2023 AP 2nd team all-American.
14.) New Orleans - Terrion Arnold - Cornerback - University of Alabama
AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 25: Rivaldo Fairweather #13 of the Auburn Tigers fails to pull in this reception as he is hit by Jihaad Campbell #30 and Terrion Arnold #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Arnold is one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft, an AP All-American and first-team SEC. He had 17 pass breakups and 5 interceptions this year.
15.) Indianapolis - Brian Thomas Jr - Wide Receiver - Louisiana State University
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 07: Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. #11 of the LSU Tigers catches a pass against defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. #2 of the Missouri Tigersin the first half at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Thomas Jr on the other side of Michael Pittman would be a dream for Anthony Richardson. Thomas is a tall receiver who can go up and get the ball. He led FBS with 17 touchdowns.
16.) Seattle - JC Latham - Offensive Tackle - University of Alabama
Sep 4, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) blocks against the Miami Hurricanes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
JC Latham is a true right tackle. He will immediately upgrade the offensive line. Latham is a monster at 6’6” 259 lbs. He’s a great run blocker and quality pass protector. He plays right tackle and should stay there as he did at Alabama.
17.) Jacksonville - Nate Wiggins - Cornerback - Clemson University
Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; 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. Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Wiggins was the fastest cornerback at the combine, running a 4.28 40-yard dash. He did have to leave with an injury after running. He’s 6’2” with great length and is a great cover corner.
18.) Cincinnati - Jared Verse - Defensive End - Florida State University
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 4: Jared Verse #5 of the Florida State Seminoles rushes the pocket against Branson Taylor #78 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during the game at Acrisure Stadium on November 4, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Talented Edge defender who can rush and defend. The type of player who can control the game at times. He’s 6’5 260 lbs. Verse is a bit older at 23 years old.
19.) Los Angeles Rams - Byron Murphy II - Defensive Tackle - University of Texas
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 29: Byron Murphy #DL18 of Texas participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Aaron Donald’s retirement has left a gaping hole in the Rams’ defensive line. Byron Murphy can move the pocket and shut down holes opening in the run game.
20.) Pittsburgh - Jackson Powers-Johnson - Center - University of Oregon
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 14: Jackson Powers-Johnson #58 of the Oregon Ducks prepares for a snap against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
One of Pittsburgh’s biggest needs is Center. Powers-Johnson was the Rimington award winner for the nation’s top Center.
21.) Miami - Taliese Fuaga - Offensive Lineman - Oregon State
Jan 31, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga of Oregon State (72) shifts to an assignment during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Miami lost a lot from their roster this year. They need to add to the offensive and defensive line. Started 2 years at Right tackle for Oregon State. He has great size at 6-5 320 lbs.
22.) Philadelphia - Laiatu Latu - Defensive End - UCLA
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 11: Laiatu Latu #15 of the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Latu is a top pass-rushing prospect. An injury almost cost him his career early at Washington, and he missed two seasons (2020-2021). Latu transferred to UCLA in 2022 and had 12.5 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks. This past year, he racked up multiple awards and led the nation with 21.5 tackles for a loss. He also gathered 13 sacks.
23.) Minnesota - Cooper DeJean - University of Iowa
Oct 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Cooper DeJean played all over for Iowa. He may end up at safety for the Vikings. He’s tough and a good pass defender. DeJean is also an excellent kick returner. A broken leg ended his 2023 season, but he’s since been cleared and ready to go.
24.) Dallas - Amarius Mims - Offensive Tackle - University of Georgia
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 31: Amarius Mims #65 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Mims is a huge right tackle prospect at 6’8” 340 lbs. He’s athletic and a very good blocker. He plays right tackle. Mims only started 8 of his 30 games at Georgia, which could cause him to fall to round two.
25.) Green Bay - Troy Fautanu - Offensive Lineman - University of Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 23: Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in action against the California Golden Bears at Husky Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Green Bay adds an offensive line prospect. Fautanu is athletic and big. Fautanu mostly played left tackle. He has experience at guard. He’s long enough to play Tackle at the next level.
26.) Tampa Bay - Kool-Aid McKinstry - Cornerback - University of Alabama
Tennessee wide receiver Kaleb Webb (84) reaches for the ball while defended by Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) during a football game between Tennessee and Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel/USA TODAY Network)
Tampa lost Carl Davis via free agency. Tampa adds to the position and gets a 6’1” cornerback with long arms and 3 years of starting experience.
28.) Buffalo - Adonai Mitchell - Wide Receiver - University of Texas
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 09: Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Texas Longhorns catches the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Bills need to re-tool the offensive weapons. Stefon Diggs was dealt to Houston. Adonai Mitchell is 6’2” and ran a 4.34 at the NFL combine. He scored 11 touchdowns last season.
29.) Detroit - Graham Barton - Offensive Lineman - Duke University
Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Barton started at Left Tackle at Duke for three seasons. He got good experience at Center as a freshman. Graham will kick into guard at the NFL due to length issues. He should start immediately for Detroit.
30.) Baltimore - Jordan Morgan - Offensive Tackle - University of Arizona
TUCSON, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 30: 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)
Morgan is a long-armed tackle who locks onto defenders in the passing game. He’s athletic and able to get to the second level in the run attack and screen passes. Many are projecting him to guard which Baltimore could use.
31.) San Francisco - Kingsley Suamataia - Offensive Tackle - Brigham Young University
Oct 21, 2023; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (78) prepares to block against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Trent Williams is 35 years old and still playing at a high level. Kingsley Suamatai fits the mold the 49ers like at left tackle. He’s big and very athletic. He can play on the right side until Williams eventually retires.
32.) Kansas City - Tyler Guyton - Offensive Tackle - University of Oklahoma
Sep 2, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) in action against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City needs to add depth to the line. Guyton plays right tackle. He can have a lot of trouble with pass rushers. He’s a big athletic prospect, sometimes seeming a bit too eager to rely on size over technique.
