2024 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Post-Combine Edition
In my writing career (measured by my own standards, naturally), I’ve never tackled a complete first-round NFL mock draft before. As a die-hard Steelers fan, I’ve often gone deep into the draft for my team, but diving into the full complexity of each franchise’s needs and strategies was a task I left to experts like my buddy Andrew Wilbar, who could probably predict next year’s draft class with more accuracy than anyone else.
So why am I taking the plunge now in 2024? For those following my growing career closely (hey, Mom!), it’s time to step out of my comfort zone and make a bold prediction for the world to see. In this, my Mock Draft 1.0, I’m going to try and predict the first-round picks and potential trades, all based on the insights and results from last week’s NFL Combine.
Buckle up, folks! It’s going to be an exciting ride!
1. CHICAGO BEARS (FROM CAR)
The Pick: QB Caleb Williams, USC
Despite some concerns about his measurables, Williams is undeniably the most gifted QB in this draft. The Bears are in the rare position to secure a potential generational QB with a solid roster to support him.
2. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
The Pick: QB Drake Maye, UNC
My QB1 in this class, Maye has outstanding pocket presence, size, and mobility. A true leader, he’s the perfect pick for the Commanders as they aim to secure their franchise QB.
3. TRADE NEW YORK GIANTS (FROM PATRIOTS)
The Pick: QB Jaden Daniels, LSU
After the Patriots miss out on Maye, they trade back, allowing the Giants to move up and grab Daniels. This pick provides an exciting new direction at quarterback for the Giants, complementing their Daniel Jones decision.
4. ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Pick: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
The best prospect in the draft, Harrison brings instant talent to Kyler Murray’s passing game. Even with trade offers coming in, the Cards stick to this pick, bolstering their offense.
5. TRADE MINNESOTA VIKINGS (FROM CHARGERS)
The Pick: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
The Vikings, looking for a QB after Kirk Cousins likely departs, move up for McCarthy, a high-upside player with impressive skills, even if he didn’t do much at Michigan. The Vikings are betting on his potential.
6. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (FROM GIANTS)
The Pick: LT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Alt is the best pure left tackle in the draft, combining exceptional size and athleticism. After adding Justin Fields at QB, the Pats solidify their offensive line with this pick.
7. TENNESSEE TITANS
The Pick: LT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
Fashanu, a stellar athlete, would be a Day 1 starter for the Titans. With offensive line being a priority, the Titans can’t go wrong with either Alt or Fashanu, but Fashanu fits their needs perfectly.
8. ATLANTA FALCONS
The Pick: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
With Kirk Cousins in free agency, the Falcons focus on defense and grab Turner, an elite edge rusher who could make an immediate impact.
9. CHICAGO BEARS
The Pick: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Odunze falls into the Bears’ lap at 9, providing another weapon for QB Caleb Williams alongside DJ Moore. A dream scenario for the Bears if the draft unfolds this way.
10. NEW YORK JETS
The Pick: RT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
The Jets continue to focus on protecting Aaron Rodgers with a top-tier right tackle like Fuaga. His ability to play on either side of the line makes him a perfect fit.
11. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (FROM VIKINGS)
The Pick: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
After trading down, the Chargers still get their hands on Nabers, who some consider the WR1 in the draft. Pairing him with Justin Herbert could transform the offense.
12. TRADE PITTSBURGH STEELERS (FROM BRONCOS)
The Pick: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
The Steelers make a move to grab Mitchell, one of the draft’s top cornerbacks, filling a crucial need on their defense. After trading up in 2019, Pittsburgh and Denver collaborate once again for this move.
13. TRADE CINCINNATI BENGALS (FROM RAIDERS)
The Pick: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
The Bengals land the best tight end prospect in the draft, adding a major weapon for Joe Burrow’s offense. Bowers is an elite player who can make an immediate impact.
14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Pick: EDGE Jared Verse, FSU
The Saints take the powerful Verse to add youth and talent to their pass rush, filling a need for elite play on the edge.
15. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Pick: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
The Colts add another dynamic playmaker to their offense, complementing QB Anthony Richardson with a speedy, playmaking receiver in Thomas.
16. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The Pick: EDGE Laitu Latu, UCLA
Latu brings an aggressive, twitchy pass rush to the Seahawks’ defense, an essential addition to their defense under the new coaching staff.
17. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
The Pick: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Mitchell rises up boards after his Combine performance, and the Jaguars add him to their receiving corps to help QB Trevor Lawrence become a true NFL star.
18. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (FROM BENGALS)
The Pick: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Arnold provides an immediate boost to the Raiders’ secondary with his versatility and discipline. He will strengthen their defensive backfield.
19. LOS ANGELES RAMS
The Pick: RT J.C. Latham, Alabama
The Rams solidify their offensive line with Latham, a dominant presence at tackle. His size and movement skills make him a Day 1 starter.
20. DENVER BRONCOS (FROM STEELERS)
The Pick: QB Bo Nix, Oregon
The Broncos finally find their QB in Nix, who fits their system. While he may not have the ceiling of other quarterbacks, he’s NFL-ready and a solid choice for Denver.
21. MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Pick: OT/OG Troy Fautanu, Washington
Fautanu’s Combine performance boosts his stock, and the Dolphins secure a steal in this ultra-athletic, versatile lineman who can play guard or tackle.
22. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The Pick: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Wiggins gives the Eagles a much-needed boost in their secondary with his length, speed, and ball skills, providing an upgrade across the board.
23. HOUSTON TEXANS (FROM BROWNS)
The Pick: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Mims falls to the Texans at 23, and they don’t hesitate to add the massive, dynamic athlete to protect QB C.J. Stroud.
24. DALLAS COWBOYS
The Pick: OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Guyton’s upside and athleticism make him a strong pick for the Cowboys, who look to solidify their offensive line with a Texas native.
25. GREEN BAY PACKERS
The Pick: DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
DeJean provides an immediate impact with his versatility and athleticism, making him an ideal fit in the Packers’ defense.
26. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Pick: EDGE Chop Robinson, PSU
Robinson’s athleticism and explosiveness make him a strong pick for the Bucs as they add a dynamic edge rusher to their defense.
27. TRADE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (FROM CARDINALS VIA TEXANS)
The Pick: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
The Raiders jump back into the first round to grab Penix, a talented QB who can start early with great arm strength and experience.
28. BUFFALO BILLS
The Pick: FS Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
With a secondary overhaul in the works, the Bills land Nubin, the top safety in the draft, to help solidify their defense.
29. DETROIT LIONS
The Pick: DT Johnny Newton, Illinois
Newton gives the Lions an athletic, powerful interior presence, providing value in both the pass rush and the run game.
30. BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Pick: LB Payton Wilson, NC State
Wilson replaces Patrick Queen in Baltimore’s defense, adding athleticism and leadership to their linebacker corps.
31. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The Pick: OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona
Morgan’s athleticism makes him a great addition to the 49ers’ offensive line, providing depth and improvement at the tackle position.
32. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Pick: CB Ennis Rakestraw, Missouri
With the future of LaJarius Sneed uncertain, the Chiefs select Rakestraw, a disciplined, versatile cornerback who fits their needs in the secondary.
What do you think of these selections? Did I nail it or miss the mark? Comment below and don’t forget to tune into my podcast, The FFSN NFL Draft Preview, for all the latest on the 2024 NFL Draft!
Looking to support your favorite team? Check out BPS.com for customized souvenirs like badges, keychains, mugs, T-shirts, and more!
Source: https://www.fansfirstsports.com/nfl/jeremys-post-combine-nfl-mock-draft/