Our child’s all grown up. Welcome to our 18th annual SB Nation NFL group mock draft.
Every year, we flip to the consultants — our writers — on each workforce’s draft must ship you a projection of what the primary spherical may appear like. This yr, it’s no shock that the primary two picks off the board are quarterbacks, with Windy Metropolis Gridiron snagging Caleb Williams for the Bears with the No. 1 total decide and the Commanders (courtesy of Hogs Haven) added UNC’s Drake Maye at No. 2.
We’ll be updating this put up with the remainder of the picks as they’re printed, so keep tuned. Under are the outcomes of the 2024 SB Nation NFL mock draft with perception on the “why” behind every decide from our workforce group writers.
No. 1 – Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Williams might be moving into an unprecedented scenario in Chicago. Normally, the primary total draft decide goes to the worst workforce in soccer, however the Bears went 7-10 final season after an 0-4 begin. Chicago’s protection is primed to take one other step after a powerful second half, nevertheless it’s the offense Williams will slide into that makes this chance so distinctive.
At receiver, DJ Moore provides Williams an electrical playmaker on the Z, and six-time Professional Bowler Keenan Allen has been one of the crucial dependable cross catchers within the sport for a decade. Tight finish Cole Kmet has averaged 61 receptions per yr during the last three seasons, and Gerald Everett’s versatility on the different tight finish spot will create mismatches. D’Andre Swift is a dependable cross catcher out of the backfield, and he’s coming off a 1,000-yard dashing season. – Lester Wiltfong, Windy Metropolis Gridiron
No. 2 – Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Drake Maye began for the final two seasons at North Carolina and confirmed all of the instruments essential to be a profitable NFL QB. He has the dimensions, arm expertise, and skill to make all of the throws. Maye’s first season as a starter put him into the dialog for the highest QBs, and regardless of a “hunch” final season, he remained the No. 2 QB regardless of Jayden Daniels’s Heisman Trophy-winning season.
Maye has loads of issues to scrub up in his sport, beginning together with his footwork. The Washington Commanders new offense is led by former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, and has a number of assistants who will work with Maye as he cleans up his sport to play on the subsequent stage. Maye is a giant, cell passer who has the next ceiling than different QBs on this draft. – Scott Jennings, Hogs Haven
No. 3 – New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Daniels’ tremendous energy is his legs, as he’s an electrical ball service who might be one of many quickest quarterbacks in soccer on account of his blazing straight-line pace. In his two years within the SEC, Daniels complied over 2,000 dashing yards and 21 touchdowns on the bottom. His potential to create large performs as an athlete might be a nightmare for opposing defenses to defend.
It’s necessary to notice that Daniels isn’t only a runner, nevertheless, as he’s improved as a passer all through his faculty profession. He has clear mechanics that characteristic a really constant throwing movement and higher physique. Daniels can layer throws everywhere in the discipline and is extraordinarily correct (78.7% adjusted completion charge at LSU) all whereas supporting a measly 1.1 turnover worthy play charge the previous two seasons.
Daniels has above-average arm energy, however makes up for any limitations together with his plus ball placement. He’s maybe one of the best deep ball thrower on this class because the slot fade is one of the best throw in his bag. – Brian Hines, Pats Pulpit
No. 4 – Minnesota Vikings (through Arizona Cardinals): JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
At simply 21 years outdated, youthful than prospects like Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, and Michael Penix, McCarthy nonetheless has loads of room to develop. He’s already fairly mechanically sound and has displayed considerably above-average arm expertise as nicely. He’s additionally a plus athlete and could be a risk to make performs on the transfer, whether or not it’s on designed runs or getting outdoors of the pocket within the passing sport.
One of many criticisms of McCarthy is that he was surrounded by an unimaginable quantity of expertise at Michigan and that would doubtlessly make him look higher than he really is. Certain, Michigan is an NFL expertise manufacturing facility at this level, however that shouldn’t take away from what McCarthy has completed. And, if we wish to go down that highway, given the extent of expertise he’d be surrounded by in Minnesota. . .the league’s greatest huge receiver, a dynamic No. 2 wideout, among the best tight ends within the NFL, a brand new chief within the run sport, and a pair of excellent bookend tackles. . .his expertise might be maximized in comparatively brief order. – Christopher Gates, Every day Norseman
No. 5 – Arizona Cardinals (through Chargers): Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Arizona Cardinals want an alpha within the huge receiver room and Harrison initiatives as among the best huge receiver prospects within the final couple years. My buddy Matt Harmon who runs Reception Notion got here out together with his closing grades and Marvin Harrison Jr. is his highest-graded receiver between 2021 and this season. – Seth Cox, Revenge of the Birds
No. 6 – New York Giants: WR Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
At 6-foot-3, 212 kilos with robust arms, the flexibility to win in any respect three ranges, adequate route operating potential and contested catch potential that turns 50-50 balls into 80-20 balls in his favor, Odunze is a distinct participant than anybody in that group.
When you use the ‘Basketball Principle’ of constructing a large receiver room with various ability units, Odunze would deliver issues to the Giants they don’t have already got. Particularly if tight finish Darren Waller retires.
Odunze is a greater athlete than many suppose, having run a 4.45 40-yard sprint and compiled the second-highest Relative Athletic Rating (RAS) of any receiver examined on the NFL Scouting Mix. – Ed Valentine, Massive Blue View
No. 7 – Tennessee Titans: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
This decide might be a little bit of a controversial one as a result of Joe Alt was on the board, and the Titans’ largest want coming into the offseason and nonetheless in April is a left sort out. I may have merely taken Alt and had the left sort out place locked down for the subsequent decade, however I selected Nabers.
So why would a workforce that has desperately wanted a left sort out for the final two years cross on one of the best one within the draft to take a receiver? For me it got here down to some issues:
The primary is the dropoff from Nabers to the receiver the Titans would have the prospect to absorb the second spherical is method greater than the dropoff from Alt to the sort out they’ll get within the second spherical. Nabers has the ceiling of being among the best receivers within the NFL. He’s a dynamic playmaker on the surface. Brian Callahan goes to worth that greater than the coaches the Titans have had up to now. – Jimmy Morris, Music Metropolis Miracles
No. 8 – Los Angeles Rams: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
To commerce up into the highest 10 at No. 8 I gave up Nineteenth total, a 2025 first-round decide, and the 83rd total decide within the third spherical. Conserving this yr’s second-round decide was necessary, which is why I opted for the 2025 first-round decide as a substitute. The Rams may nonetheless transfer again within the second spherical and decide up an additional late third or a fourth-round decide to make up for the lack of decide 83.
This transfer permits the Rams to proceed including to this yr’s roster and add items for the longer term which is necessary for his or her present team-build. It’s a considerably hefty value, however we received’t be speaking about what it took to get Joe Alt when he’s an All-Professional-caliber left sort out for 15 years. There are just a few blue-chip caliber gamers on this draft class and Alt is considered one of them. – Blaine Grisak, Turf Present Occasions
No. 9 – Las Vegas Raiders (through Bears): Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Whereas the hope is the Silver and Black will commerce up into the highest three picks to, presumptively, goal Jayden Daniels, the Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots weren’t budging. That meant Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Daniels have been chosen first, second and third total. Then, the Minnesota Vikings parlayed their two first-round picks right into a commerce with the Arizona Cardinals to take J.J. McCarthy off the board.
With 4 quarterbacks taken within the first 4 picks and the quarterback-needy Denver Broncos sitting one spot forward of the Raiders, panic began to set in, so a transfer needed to be made. Chicago was keen to maneuver out of No. 9 and all it took was a third-round decide for Las Vegas to safe its quarterback of the longer term.
Utilizing the NFL draft decide commerce worth chart, this was a fairly even deal because the Raiders solely overspent by 5 factors. A small premium to pay for crucial place on the sphere. – Matt Holder, Silver & Black Satisfaction
No. 10 – New York Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Washington
Fuaga isn’t a decide purely for the longer term. He’ll get an opportunity to compete with Morgan Moses for the beginning proper sort out job proper off the bat. Throughout Moses’ first stint with the Jets, he started the season as the first backup sort out, solely sliding into the beginning lineup after a Mekhi Becton damage.
Both method, Fuaga provides the Jets sort out depth within the brief run. That’s necessary with a pair of starters of their mid 30s. It’s doubly necessary with a beginning left sort out in Smith who hasn’t performed a season with out lacking no less than three video games since 2015. The phrase “win now” is virtually a cliché across the Aaron Rodgers-led Jets at this level. Fuaga provides the Jets one of many rarest advantages an NFL workforce can have, offensive line depth. The Jets are not one damage on the notorious turf at MetLife Stadium away from beginning the likes of Carter Warren or Max Mitchell on Aaron Rodgers’ blindside.
After all you don’t decide a participant within the high 10 just for depth. Fuaga provides the Jets a long-term constructing block for the offensive line. Some suppose he would possibly finally transfer inside to protect, however regardless of the place he finally ends up he ought to be a precious a part of the trenches for a very long time. – John Butchko, Gang Inexperienced Nation
No. 11 – Los Angeles Chargers: J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
Latham has as excessive a ceiling as any offensive sort out prospect within the class – and should have the very best ground! He stands practically 6’6 and weighs 342 kilos, whereas boasting a wingspan within the 82nd percentile for offensive tackles, and 11-inch arms that register within the ninety fifth percentile, in line with Mockdraftable.com. And DraftKings Sportsbook’s odds recommend an offensive lineman would be the first place focused by the Chargers on draft evening.
With all that dimension, Latham controls defensive lineman within the run sport, and locks up cross rushers trying to undergo him. The ability is mixed with easy, fast toes, and all that got here collectively in a really spectacular method for the lately turned 21-year-old. He solely began at proper sort out at Alabama, however his ability set suggests he may shield the blind aspect if wanted.
For the Chargers, that received’t matter: He’ll match proper in because the instant beginning proper sort out, manning the sides of the pocket with left sort out Rashawn Slater. – Ron Kopp Jr., Bolts From the Blue
No. 12 – Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Bo Nix provides the Broncos a quarterback who matches into Sean Payton’s offense very nicely. He’s a fast rhythm passer who has had success within the brief passing sport, throwing screens, fast passes to the backs, and so forth — all issues Payton likes to do in his offense. His processing potential, which is one thing Payton covets from his quarterbacks, has additionally been praised by evaluators. Whereas Nix is probably not essentially the most extremely touted prospect, he may be one of the best match for the Broncos at quarterback on this draft.
This is probably not the preferred decide, however with the best way the board fell in entrance of me, it was the transfer the Broncos needed to make. Making an attempt to commerce up and compete with the Vikings for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy was unsuccessful after which the Raiders traded as much as ninth total to pick out Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., which was a shock. I’d have favored to commerce again, however with Nix being the quarterback I wished to get if I couldn’t commerce up, I pulled the set off at twelfth total. – Scotty Payne, Mile Excessive Report
No. 13 – Chicago Bears (through Raiders): Dallas Turner, LB, Alabama
The Bears worth high-character prospects, and Turner was a workforce captain and a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which honors faculty soccer’s greatest in character and efficiency and is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Efficiency, Teachers, Group, and Tenacity.
Some scouts really feel his greatest match is as a 3-4 outdoors linebacker, however his pass-rush potential interprets into any scheme. At 6’3, 247 kilos, with 34 3/8’’ arm size, he’s a lot sufficiently big to play within the Bears 40 entrance, nevertheless it’s the athletic measurables that will have head coach Matt Eberflus excited. His 4.46 40 was the quickest of any edge participant. His 1.54 10-yard break up was tied for greatest. His 40.5’’ vertical leap was the very best of any edge, and his 10’ 7’’ broad leap was tied for the second-longest. – Lester Wiltfong Jr., Windy Metropolis Gridiron
No. 14 – New Orleans Saints: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The 6’4, 317-pound lineman is a flexible participant who can play at each sort out and guard and on both aspect of the road. He’s a giant, bodily man who can transfer nicely. On the 2024 NFL mix, Fautanu ran an official 5.01-second 40-yard sprint.
In gentle of the current information concerning Ryan Ramczyk’s knee damage not progressing as anticipated, the Saints are in want of somebody at sort out on an offensive line that at the moment consists of Ramczyk, Trevor Penning, Landon Younger, and Olisaemeka Udoh.
Considered one of their largest priorities this yr ought to be protecting Derek Carr wholesome. In 2023, Carr was sacked 31 occasions, resulting in a number of accidents all through the season. I feel Fauteau might be a Day 1 starter that would add assist treatment a few of the points which have plagued the offensive line and run sport the previous few years, particularly with the adjustments that might be coming from new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. – Tina Howell, Canal Road Chronicles
No. 15 – Indianapolis Colts: Brock Bowers, TE, UGA
Relating to Bowers, the 6’3, 243-pound junior tight finish caught 56 receptions for 714 receiving yards (12.8 yards-per-reception common) and 6 landing receptions throughout 10 begins in 2023—incomes unanimous All-American First-Crew honors and the John Mackey Award, offered to varsity soccer’s most excellent tight finish (the latter for a consecutive season).
He’s been extremely thought to be the most recent modern-day Swiss Military knife ‘transfer’ tight finish together with his potential to line up in-line, within the slot, and even sometimes outdoors. Fairly frankly, Bowers is a ‘yards-after-catch’ receiving machine together with his potential to be featured within the slot, on tight finish screens, and within the flats. He can also separate down the seam with explosive playmaking vertically.
He would add so many new wrinkles to Colts head coach Shane Steichen’s offense, notably within the RPO sport too, and is taken into account among the best tight finish prospects to return out in current reminiscence. – Luke Schultheis, Stampede Blue
No. 16 – Seattle Seahawks: Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, DT, Illinois
Having Newton, Jones, Williams, Reed, and Hankins ought to present the Seahawks with a lot better inside depth than we’ve seen in years previous. Jones spent the back-end of final season on the sting after Uchenna Nwosu’s damage, and maybe the Seahawks may hold him there primarily and kick him inside when crucial… or they might commerce him post-June 1 and save $11.5 million in cap house.
Reed is within the closing yr of his contract and whereas I may see him being a shock cap lower in preseason, he outperformed his deal final yr and should stick with his NT function this season. Hankins can be the larger physique as a run-stuffing NT.
Having Newton and Williams collectively may wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, and Newton might be the long-term star the Seahawks have been on the lookout for at inside defensive position. – Mookie Alexander, Discipline Gulls
No. 17 – Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Crimson Tide product spent three seasons at Alabama. After redshirting his first season, Arnold earned Freshman All-SEC honors in 2022 with 1 interception, 9 cross deflections, 45 tackles and 1 sort out for loss in 11 video games/7 begins.
Arnold then led the SEC with 5 interceptions and 17 cross deflections together with 63 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 compelled fumble to obtain First-Crew All-SEC and First-Crew All-American recognition in 2023.
The 21-year-old prospect leads all corners in his draft class with a Manufacturing Rating of 90, per Subsequent Gen Stats, although his 70 Athleticism Rating ranks 18th. Arnold’s 4.5-second 40-yard sprint was the Nineteenth-best day trip of 25 corners who ran on the Mix. – Gus Logue, Massive Cat Nation
No. 18 – Cincinnati Bengals: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Ever since Geno Atkins was lower, the Bengals have struggled to deliver inside stress. They added D.J. Reader, B.J. Hill, and Larry Ogunjobi in free company or through commerce, and drafted Zach Carter, who has utterly didn’t dwell as much as his draft billing. This offseason they signed Sheldon Rankins, who’s a stable cross rusher, however long-term they want a participant who can lastly step in and fill the void left by Geno Atkins. It’s lofty expectations for anybody, and he might by no means attain the peak of Atkins, however the hope is that Murphy could be a related kind of participant and convey the inside cross rush the Bengals have wanted for thus lengthy. – Patrick Carlisle, Cincy Jungle
No. 19 – Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, DL, UCLA
On Latu, I feel he’s completely one of the best cross rusher on this draft class proper now. May Turner and Verse surpass him, finally? Presumably. However after a commerce down like this, there’s no cause to cross on Latu’s apparent expertise. Right here’s how I described him in a earlier mock draft:
Latu is without doubt one of the most technically polished cross rushers I’ve ever seen popping out of faculty. He’s obtained a dizzying array of strikes and is aware of when and how one can use them. Whereas he’s obtained body at 6’5, 267, he does lack excellent size with lower than 33” arms. Nevertheless, Latu’s largest questions have been his medicals and his total athleticism. He answered each completely on the Mix (and his Professional Day), with optimistic reviews on his well being and a formidable 9.41 RAS. Latu is essentially the most pro-ready cross rusher within the class and ought to be anticipated to make a direct influence on passing downs, which inserts nicely with Atlanta’s win-now mindset after the Kirk Cousins signing. – Kevin Knight, The Falcoholic
No. 20 – Pittsburgh Steelers choose Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Measuring in at 6’6” and 312 kilos on the 2024 NFL Scouting Mix, Fashanu did a lot to showcase he’s obtained loads of athleticism to match the tape, boasting a 5.11-second 40-yard sprint (79th percentile for OT), a 32” vert (88th) and 109” broad leap (79th). With that athleticism comes loads of explosion on tape, with loads of energy and a quickness out of his stance that has made him one of the crucial efficient cross blockers within the NCAA. Per PFF, Fashanu didn’t permit a single sack all through his collegiate profession, incomes an 89.2 pass-blocking grade over the previous two seasons which ranked second amongst all tackles.
The place Fashanu might want to develop on the subsequent stage (and shortly, contemplating Arthur Smith’s run-heavy scheme) is in his potential as a run blocker. As NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler notes in his annual draft information, The Beast, “[Fashanu] exhibits a lot better stability in reverse relatively than shifting ahead.” Nevertheless, there’s no query that the bodily energy is there to enhance on this regard. – Kate Magdziuk, Behind the Metal Curtain
No. 21 – Miami Dolphins choose Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Miami enters the preseason coaching program with query marks at their outdoors linebacker positions. Starters Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are each working their method again from main accidents sustained final season. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel left in free company and the workforce launched linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah. Even with the addition of Shaq Barrett in free company, Miami has to search out cross rushers who can begin the season if Phillips or Chubb can not and who can function rotational gamers as soon as each starters are wholesome. Verse instantly fills that function.
With Chop Robinson, edge rusher from Penn State, nonetheless obtainable as nicely, the Dolphins appear to be in an ideal place to fill a necessity with a high prospect. On this case, greatest participant obtainable and want matched completely and the Dolphins land Verse to create a monster of a protection, particularly as soon as Chubb and Phillips are again to full pace. – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
No. 22 – Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Fairly merely, Mitchell will get his arms on the soccer.
He logged 5 interceptions in 2022 earlier than including one other in 2023. Mitchell additionally produced 37 passes defensed over the previous two years, which is a loopy quantity.
Some have raised considerations about stage of competitors since Mitchell performed within the MAC. And that could be a official dangle up for Howie Roseman. However the Eagles love themselves Senior Bowl standouts and, by all indications, Mitchell shined in opposition to faculty soccer’s high gamers in Cell, Alabama. – Brandon Lee Gowton, Bleeding Inexperienced Nation
No. 23: Arizona Cardinals (through Vikings): Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
After shifting down from 4 to 11 after which again as much as the fifth decide and taking Marvin Harrison Jr., the Arizona Cardinals are actually including a cornerback to their roster.
With the best way the mock fell, Quinyon Mitchell went a decide earlier than, Jared Verse two picks earlier than, so now it grew to become about including one of the best participant at an influence place for Arizona.
It got here right down to inside offensive line, cornerback, and edge. My grade on DeJean was extremely excessive in comparison with that of Jackson Powers-Johnson or Graham Barton, so I wished to ensure I obtained DeJean earlier than a kind of two. – Seth Cox, Revenge of the Birds
No. 24 – Dallas Cowboys: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
If the Cowboys want to draft the highest participant at a place group, one thing they’ve acknowledged they love to do, then grabbing Powers-Johnson would keep true to that philosophy. Both he or Barton can lay declare to that crown. The final time the Cowboys chosen a middle within the first spherical, Travis Frederick, it labored out very nicely till his surprising sickness and retirement. Powers-Johnson looks like the kind of participant who might be in Dallas for the subsequent decade if chosen. That’s a fairly good decide. – David Halprin, Running a blog the Boys
No. 25 – Inexperienced Bay Packers: Amarius Mims, OT, College of Georgia
When you’re the Packers, are you available in the market for a middle — in an effort to enhance from Josh Myers — or are you available in the market for a proper sort out — which may assist you enhance at three positions directly if Tom strikes to heart and Myers strikes to proper guard? That moved the needle for me.
So if we’re taking a look at a proper sort out, who is best? Barton or Mims? To me, I feel Mims’ upside on the perimeter places him over the sting, which is why I chosen the 6’8”, 340-pound 21-year-old who solely began eight video games in his faculty profession. Sure, he missed time final yr with an ankle damage. I do know you hate accidents. Sure, he’s a Georgia Bulldog. I do know Bulldogs haven’t actually panned out for the Packers recently.
Nonetheless, I consider that Mims’ uncooked athleticism warrants a variety on this vary. If not for the query marks, Mims wouldn’t be obtainable right here in any respect. Even in sort out class, the one gamers with as excessive of an upside as Mims — to me — are Joe Alt (taken eighth on this mock) and JC Latham (taken eleventh). – Justis Mosqueda, Acme Packing Firm
No. 26 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Now, with the addition of Barton, the offensive line will get an enormous improve each by way of safety for Baker Mayfield in addition to creating operating lanes for Rachaad White.
Now, there may be the surface chance the Bucs see Barton as extra of a middle together with his 6’5, 315-pound body — and if that’s how they view him it could permit Hainsey to return to protect, which is the place he excelled whereas at Notre Dame. Both method, it’s a big-time improve for the Bucs alongside the trenches and may deliver an total enhance to the offense now run by Liam Coen.
The Bucs would nonetheless want to deal with the cross rush not directly on Day 2 as they head into NFL Draft weekend with 4 picks within the high 100. With cross rush, huge receiver, operating again, and cornerback nonetheless being necessary wants, they’ll have some choices to make as to who and what positions they’re going to prioritize. – James Yarcho, Bucs Nation
No. 27 – Arizona Cardinals (through Texans): Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
I virtually had Verse or Mitchell, which means that we wanted to seize one of the best cornerback remaining on our board and took Cooper DeJean.
He’s the Haason Reddick-level athlete off the sting that this protection desperately wants. He isn’t a completed product by any means, however he’s a freak athlete … Robinson really jogs my memory loads of Boye Mafe, the sting defender the Seahawks took two years in the past. He has developed into a gradual cross rusher, ending with 9 sacks in his second season. – Seth Cox, Revenge of the Birds
Verify again every weekday between now and the 2024 NFL Draft for the most recent picks in our 2024 SB Nation group mock draft!