NFL mock draft 2024: The final pre-draft prediction of the first round
1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
A foregone conclusion since Justin Fields was traded to the Steelers. Caleb Williams' elite arm and improvisational ability give him incredible upside.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye? In this case, it's last year's Heisman winner, who fits offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's mold of accurate yet mobile passers.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Pats land the toolsy Drake Maye, who combines size, a big arm and mobility with a gunslinger's mentality.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Expect lots of trade talk at this pick, but if Arizona stays, Marvin Harrison Jr. immediately would become Kyler Murray's top target thanks to his complete skillset.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Another potential trade spot, but the Chargers could opt to replenish their depleted receiver corps with the explosive and versatile Malik Nabers.
6. Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The big question: What do GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll really think about Daniel Jones? If they're not sold on him, look for a trade up to try and secure a top quarterback. If they still believe in Jones, they could stand pat and build elsewhere on offense, most notably by drafting a No. 1 wideout. The 6-3, 212-pound Rome Odunze is a physical receiver who impressed at the Combine with his speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash) and work ethic (he stayed late after every other prospect had left to perfect his three-cone drill, despite the fact that he already clocked the fourth-best time during actual testing).
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, T, Notre Dame
After bolstering skill positions in free agency, the Titans can focus on fixing their offensive line. Joe Alt, son of former Pro Bowl tackle John Alt, is very athletic and has solid technique.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Hofstra alum and new head coach Raheem Morris gets a new pass-rushing toy. Dallas Turner has excellent speed and acceleration off the snap.
9. Chicago Bears: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
After taking their QB at No. 1, the Bears build on defense. Jared Verse is an explosive rusher who would pair well with Montez Sweat.
10. Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
GM Joe Douglas addressed most of the Jets' major holes in free agency, particularly along the offensive line and at wide receiver. That frees this pick up quite a bit: the Jets can go "best player available," whether it's someone who can help immediately (such as another pass-catcher for Aaron Rodgers) or in the future (an offensive lineman to groom behind the aging Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses). With a win-now roster, the former seems more likely, especially if Brock Bowers is still available. Bowers is as well-rounded as they come at tight end, with an ideal combination of soft hands, size, speed and blocking ability.
11. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
One of the teams rumored to move up for a QB, Minnesota stands pat and still lands their guy. Ignore the box score when looking at J.J. McCarthy: On the occasions where he was asked to make plays, he was more than capable of doing so thanks to his arm, processing ability and legs.
12. Denver Broncos: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
This may be a little early for a fifth QB to come off the board, but if Sean Payton thinks he can work his magic, the Broncos may consider it. Michael Penix Jr. has a strong arm and works best from the pocket.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, T, Oregon State
If the Raiders aren't sold on any of the remaining QBs here, they could opt to protect the ones they already have. Taliese Fuaga is versatile and strong as both a run-blocker and pass protector.
14. New Orleans Saints: Olu Fashanu, T, Penn State
The Saints face questions at both tackle spots. Olu Fashanu has great size, strength and technique.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The Colts could use more help in the secondary. Quinyon Mitchell is an athletic playmaker in both press-man and off-coverage.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, T, Washington
New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who coached at Washington last year, gets one of his Huskies stalwarts. Troy Fautanu can play guard or tackle.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Jags lack a true lockdown cornerback. Terrion Arnold is athletic and aggressive both in coverage and run defense.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, T, Alabama
The 6-6, 360-pound JC Latham is a powerful blocker who can start immediately at right tackle to replace Jonah Williams.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
The Rams get pass-rush help to fill the big void left by Aaron Donald's retirement with a well-rounded edge defender with great athleticism in Laiatu Latu.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Pittsburgh could use another physical corner to pair with Joey Porter Jr. Kool-Aid McKinstry is experienced in both man and zone and is an aggressive defender.
21. Miami Dolphins: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
The Dolphins still need their Christian Wilkins replacement. Byron Murphy II is an interior rusher in the Wilkins mold: explosive and strong, with a quick first step.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Amarius Mims, T, Georgia
Lane Johnson is turning 33, and the Eagles tend to draft linemen years before they're eventually needed to start. The 6-7, 340-pound Amarius Mims is a massive tackle prospect with excellent power.
23. Minnesota Vikings (from Cleveland via Houston): Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Assuming this pick isn't part of a package to trade up, the Vikings could address the secondary here. Nate Wiggins has great length and speed.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, T, Oklahoma
The Cowboys can replace Tyron Smith with the 6-8, 322-pound Tyler Guyton, who is raw but athletic.
25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa
The Packers need another safety opposite Xavier McKinney and more cornerback depth. The versatile Cooper DeJean can play outside cornerback, slot or safety, and he also can return punts.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, G/C, Duke
The Bucs could use help everywhere on the line outside of left tackle. Graham Barton can play any of the five line spots, but his best fit likely is inside.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
Arizona had just 33 sacks last season and didn't address their pass rush in free agency. Chop Robinson is raw but has the athleticism and flexibility to develop into a force on the edge.
28. Buffalo Bills: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The Stefon Diggs trade leaves the Bills without a top-tier receiver. Brian Thomas Jr. is a speedster who can do damage vertically or in space.
29. Detroit Lions: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Among the Lions’ few holes: pass-rush help and defensive line depth. Jer’Zhan Newton is small but very disruptive up the middle.
30: Baltimore Ravens: Jackson Powers-Johnson, G/C, Oregon
The Ravens lost three of their starting linemen from last season, including both guards. Jackson Powers-Johnson stood out at the Senior Bowl and is a technically sound interior blocker.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Morgan, T, Arizona
Trent Williams turns 36 in July, and right tackle remains a weak spot. Jordan Morgan can play on the right side until the 49ers need him to take over at left tackle.
32. Kansas City: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
Rashee Rice's legal issues aside, more targets for Patrick Mahomes is never a bad idea. Ladd McConkey runs very clean routes, making him an ideal slot receiver at the next level.
Nick Klopsis is Newsday.com's sports editor. He often can be found studying NFL and college football film for his latest draft breakdown.
More football news
