Article 6MB8M 2024 NFL mock draft: Final picks ahead of Round 1

2024 NFL mock draft: Final picks ahead of Round 1

by
Dan Wilkins
from on (#6MB8M)
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Draft day is finally here.

We've got you covered with all the mock scenarios you could possibly need. First, theScore's Dan Wilkins makes his final projections for Day 1, as well as a pick for each team without a first-round selection.

Navigate through the links below for parallel mocks from David P. Woods, one of The Huddle Report's most accurate mock drafters over the last five years, and the rest of our NFL staff.

Wilkins mock | Woods mock | Staff mocks

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Williams has been a lock at No. 1 for months. The Bears were never going to pass up one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory in favor of Justin Fields or anyone else. Chicago finally has a superstar under center.

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

There have been some rumblings that Daniels, given the choice, would prefer to play elsewhere. All indications are that the Commanders don't care. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner could be a really strong fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offense in Washington.

Drake Maye, QB, UNC

The Patriots could, and perhaps should, entertain trade-down possibilities. But would Robert Kraft, an owner who knows nothing other than winning with an elite quarterback, really pass up a rare opportunity to get one? Staying put and taking Maye is the smart move.

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Arizona will entertain trade possibilities, but it'll require a monster offer to pass on the top non-quarterback in this draft. An advanced route-runner with Hall of Fame bloodlines, Harrison might be the best receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson.

Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Nobody knows what Jim Harbaugh will do. Could this pick be a receiver? Of course. But his teams are always going to be strong in the trenches. Pairing Alt with Rashawn Slater would give the Chargers one of the league's premier tandems at offensive tackle.

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

The Giants have reportedly been sniffing around trade-up scenarios for quarterbacks. That doesn't mean they'd take whoever they can get, though. With the top three off the board, a superstar receiver talent like Odunze feels like the best play.

MOCK TRADE: Broncos move up from No. 12 in deal with Titans

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The Broncos make the first trade of this mock draft, jumping five spots to land the quarterback of the future. Sean Payton doesn't have many assets at his disposal, but that's never stopped him from being aggressive before. McCarthy would be a strong fit in Denver's offense.

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Atlanta's need on the edge makes this a logical spot for the first defensive player to come off the board. But rounding out a new-look offense with an elite receiver prospect sounds pretty cool, too. Nabers being available in this spot is too enticing to pass up.

MOCK TRADE: Saints move up from No. 14 in deal with Bears

Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

The Saints' offensive tackle spot might be the most obvious position need league-wide. Getting a top lineman is a must, and the Saints have the aggressive mindset to go up and get it done. Fashanu might be the best pass-protector in this loaded class.

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Offensive line or pass-catcher? The Jets are all-in this year with Aaron Rodgers, and the starting spots up front are already filled. Go load up on playmakers. Bowers is a unique tight end prospect who could take this passing game to another level.

Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

The Vikings passing on a quarterback? For now. While Minnesota is an obvious trade-up candidate, it might only do so for a top-three spot. Murphy provides some high-level pass-rush upside, and keeping pick No. 23 gives the Vikings an opportunity to add a quarterback later.

MOCK TRADE: Titans move down from No. 7 in deal with Broncos

JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Tennessee trading down five spots and only seeing one more offensive tackle come off the board is a big win. Latham could be a major upgrade at either tackle spot for the Titans.

Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Fuaga upgrades the right tackle position with a level of physicality that fits Antonio Pierce's style. There's been some buzz about the Raiders taking a quarterback here, but there could be an opportunity to circle back on that spot later.

MOCK TRADE: Bears move down from No. 9 in deal with Saints

Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Trading down to stockpile picks and still coming away with the best edge rusher in this class would be a dream scenario for the Bears. With Latu lining up opposite Montez Sweat, Chicago's defensive line would be tough to handle.

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Colts love premier athletes, and Mitchell certainly fits that description. Indy can address the receiver spot in the second round after taking care of another major need here.

Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Turner's potential availability at this spot would likely come as a surprise to the Seahawks, but you won't hear any complaints from John Schneider and Mike Macdonald. The Alabama product is a Day 1 impact player off the edge.

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The Jaguars have a significant need at corner, and Trent Baalke loves drafting from big schools. Arnold is a perfect fit here.

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Nobody knows whether the Bengals are going to trade Tee Higgins, but he likely won't be in Cincinnati long term either way. Thomas' combination of size and vertical speed would make him a strong running mate for fellow LSU product Ja'Marr Chase.

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

DeJean is a gifted athlete with the instincts to be a playmaker at either cornerback or safety. The Rams should be among the many teams that value his do-it-all skill set.

Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

Look for the Steelers to weigh trade-up options for a top offensive lineman. In this scenario, one just so happens to fall right into their laps. Fautanu is an athletic, physical prospect who could play any position up front.

Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

Newton is one of the most underrated players in this class. The Illinois standout's pass-rush upside makes him a slam-dunk replacement for Christian Wilkins.

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Howie Roseman has never drafted a corner in the first round, but he never used to pay running backs, either. This is a pressing need for the Eagles' defense, and Wiggins has the athleticism and coverage skills to be a high-level playmaker.

Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

It may not be the splashy trade-up that everyone is expecting, but it's a big move, nonetheless. Nix, who turned a corner after transferring to Oregon from Auburn, could prove to be an outstanding fit in a stacked Vikings offense.

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

The Cowboys have to come out of the first round with an upgrade to the offensive line. Guyton may need some time to reach his potential, but the physical tools offer an extremely high ceiling. He can step in as the left tackle, allowing Dallas to keep All-Pro guard Tyler Smith on the interior.

Graham Barton, OL, Duke

The Packers value athleticism and versatility on the offensive line. Check and check. Barton has impressive movement skills, a physical play style, and the skill set to play any position.

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Cornerback stands out as an obvious need for the Bucs after they traded Carlton Davis to the Lions. McKinstry is an underrated player who silenced any concerns about his speed by running a 4.47 at his pro day on a broken foot.

Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Verse shouldn't be available this late in the first round. The Cardinals take full advantage of runs on other positions by scooping up a potential No. 1 pass-rusher.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

The Bills have to find a way to make a splash at receiver after sending Stefon Diggs to Houston. While a trade-up should be on the table, this class is deep enough to sit tight at No. 28. Mitchell offers an intriguing combination of size, speed, and route-running skills.

Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

This might seem a little early for Robinson, but we thought the same about several Lions picks last year. The Missouri product is a physical, high-motor player who fits in perfectly with what Detroit is building.

MOCK TRADE: Raiders move up from No. 44 (2nd round) in deal with Ravens

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Fortunately for the Raiders, the Ravens are seemingly always willing to trade out of the first round. There are some questions about Penix's profile, but the arm talent is incredible. His ability to push the ball downfield would bring some much-needed upside to the quarterback room in Las Vegas.

Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon

The 49ers would probably love to land a cornerback at the end of the first round, but they can't force it, either. With the top defensive backs off the board, a high-level interior lineman like Powers-Johnson could be too good to pass up.

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Teams could regret letting Mims fall to the back-to-back champs. Some truly ridiculous physical skills compensate for any lack of experience. Afforded the necessary time to develop, Mims could be one of the best tackles from this class.

Teams without 1st-round pickXavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Legette recently revealed that the Panthers told him he'd be the pick if available at No. 33. While teams likely make many such promises, the fit makes plenty of sense. Legette is a physical ball-winner who can make plays after the catch and also has the speed to win vertically.

Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

The Texans' defense took on a new identity after the arrival of DeMeco Ryans. Few players fit the team's mold as well as Sainristil. The Michigan standout is an impressive athlete who plays with the competitiveness to compensate for anything he may lack in size.

MOCK TRADE: Ravens move down from No. 30 in deal with Raiders

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Trading out of the first round, stockpiling picks, and still coming away with a borderline Day 1 talent feels like the ultimate Ravens move. Franklin would team up with Zay Flowers to give Lamar Jackson a dynamic pair of receivers.

Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon

The Browns could use some reinforcements across the defensive line. Dorlus can provide value at multiple positions, profiling as a base end with interior pass-rush upside in sub packages. He's a sleeper to watch in this draft.

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