Super Bowl LVIII is behind us, and to borrow a phrase from Bill Belichick, we’re onto the offseason for all 32 NFL teams. If there’s one thing that can alleviate the grief of the 2023 season being finished, it’s a first-round mock draft for the 2024 NFL draft.
So here’s my first set of predictions for Round 1, including landing spots for five quarterbacks. The draft order is now set, and while three picks have already been traded, I didn’t project any additional ones just yet. Things will change over the next two months as we get closer to April 25, especially since prospects still have the combine, pro days and interviews. And let’s remember that free agency hasn’t taken place yet — that will effectthe draft a good deal.
Let us project the possible outcomes of the first day of the 2024 draft. (And tune in to ESPN2 on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET to watch our SportsCenter Special where we debate the choice forecasts.)
the draft a good deal.
Once a decision is made on quarterback Justin Fields, the Bears’ draft intentions will become much more apparent. Chicago will undoubtedly be fielding calls to determine the terms of a potential deal for the 2021 first-round pick. In the event that the Bears decide to move their incumbent quarterback and start over at the position, Williams meets their needs right away and gives incoming offensive coordinator Shane Waldron an explosive blend of accuracy and playmaking.
Daniels reached the Heisman Trophy with a record-breaking 40 touchdown passes, four interceptions, and 1,230 rushing yards (not including sacks). He also did everything in his power to improve his draft value during the 2023 season. Every time he takes the field, he alters the math for a defense, making him the best dual-threat quarterback in this class. Daniels might contribute to the development of consistency under center for Dan Quinn, the incoming coach in Washington, where he would have an exciting wide receiver group.
Few choice projections are as simple as this one, as the Cardinals, who are desperate for wide receivers, have a chance to choose both my top-ranked wideout in this class and one of the most highly-regarded wideout prospects in recent years. Arizona has always needed a wide receiver, but Marquise Brown’s status as a free agency makes matters worse. Kyler Murray, the quarterback, would have an easier time getting along with Harrison, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound player, the moment he steps foot inside the team’s facilities. His classic size is combined with superb body control and route running.
The Chargers have an exciting March ahead of them, but they must make some crucial decisions regarding receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, who both have contract expiration years in 2024 and had injury concerns the previous year. However, this selection is indicative of the kind of team I think Jim Harbaugh and new general manager Joe Hortiz will have: a team full of hard-hitting, strong athletes who never give up, like Alt, who developed into a superb left tackle at Notre Dame. It is anticipated that Alt will begin his career with the Chargers as a right tackle, replacing Trey Pipkins III and perhaps creating a formidable tandem with left tackle Rashawn Slater.
The Chargers have an exciting March ahead of them, but they must make some crucial decisions regarding receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, who both have contract expiration years in 2024 and had injury concerns the previous year. However, this selection is indicative of the kind of team I think Jim Harbaugh and new general manager Joe Hortiz will have: a team full of hard-hitting, strong athletes who never give up, like Alt, who developed into a superb left tackle at Notre Dame. It is anticipated that Alt will begin his career with the Chargers as a right tackle, replacing Trey Pipkins III and perhaps creating a formidable tandem with left tackle Rashawn Slater.
I’d be shocked if the Titans pass on Odunze if the board looks like this on April 25, considering they have a glaring need at wide receiver. There isn’t much wrong with the wideout’s game. He runs flawless routes, is amazing after the catch, excels in instances where the catch is disputed, and is very dependable with his hands. Will Levis, the quarterback, would adore this selection because Odunze topped the nation in receiving yards (1,640 yards) the previous year.
With Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree leading the club with just 6.5 sacks apiece, the Falcons’ pass rush improved in 2023 but still lacked a dominant pass-rusher; both players are signed through 2024. Atlanta placed 21st in 2023 with just 42 sacks as a team.
Turner was selected the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after finishing his college career with ten sacks. In 2023, rookie coach Raheem Morris did well with the youthful Rams defense; however, Atlanta’s current roster is in better form, and Turner would offer a high-upside, adaptable building block off the edge.
The Bears, who selected Williams as their first-round quarterback, made a major statement last season when they acquired Montez Sweat at the trade deadline. Sweat is a genuine player who can change the complexion of a defense. But there is still depth beyond Sweat to be filled, and Latu is arguably the best pass-rusher in this class. Latu possesses excellent skill and a wide repertoire of pass-rush movements, even though he may not possess Turner’s characteristics. After averaging 23.5 sacks in the previous two seasons, he has a shot to become a double-digit sack player every year.
Latu did experience a neck problem while playing football at Washington, which prompted him to withdraw from the game medically in 2019. He ultimately decided to transfer to UCLA in order to continue his career, although every team willpossess its own evaluation of the matter, and combining medicals will be crucial in this case. Latu belongs in this range if it isn’t considered a short- or long-term worry.