Determination-makers for each NFL franchise are working across the clock to prepare for April’s 2024 NFL draft. I keep in mind the method properly, with expertise as a basic supervisor and govt vice chairman with the Dolphins (2015-18) and Jets (2006-12). And for a fourth 12 months in a row, I used to be feeling nostalgic and needed to take a run in any respect 32 first-round picks — how I might make every choice.
What follows is not a conventional mock draft. Whereas draft analysts goal to undertaking what they imagine will occur primarily based on what they’re listening to — my colleague Mel Kiper Jr. simply unveiled his latest set of predictions final week — I am as an alternative placing myself into the final supervisor chair for every staff with a first-rounder and making my very own picks. So it isn’t essentially what I am anticipating to occur however quite how I would personally strategy every Day 1 choice. That is all primarily based off my very own evaluations, preferences, philosophies and rationale.
I’ve one thing new this 12 months, too — I made one commerce, which I justify as a result of I might do it from each groups’ views. So let’s leap in with my GM choices for the primary 32 picks, beginning with a no brainer for Bears GM Ryan Poles at No. 1. And you should definitely try my “SportsCenter” particular on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
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Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Williams has uncommon expertise and playmaking capacity, and the commerce of Justin Fields to Pittsburgh clears the highway for him to come back to Chicago. With a supporting solid of Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, D’Andre Swift and Gerald Everett, Williams is about up for fast improvement as a professional and fast success. The sacks (83 over three faculty seasons) and fumbles (16) are regarding, however I imagine Williams’ fundamentals within the pocket (climbing as an alternative of escaping backwards) will enhance. He averaged over 9 yards per move try in every of his three faculty seasons (one at Oklahoma) and threw 93 TD passes.
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Maye has ideally suited measurement at 6-foot-4 and 223 kilos and reveals actually good pocket motion. He could make all of the throws and has a great launch, executing with accuracy and anticipation. I used to be impressed with what he was capable of accomplish final season after shedding receiver Josh Downs to the NFL, throwing for 3,608 yards. His traits remind me of Justin Herbert. And giving Maye an offense that has Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. ought to assist him be productive in 12 months 1.
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Daniels is coming off an enormous ultimate season at LSU, throwing 40 landing passes, enhancing his completion price to 72.2%, avoiding turnovers with solely 4 interceptions and speeding for 1,134 yards and 10 extra scores. I’ve considerations about his construct — he was listed at 6-foot-4, 210 kilos at LSU did not weigh in on the mix — and he wants so as to add weight to resist the pains of an NFL season. However I actually like the thought of Jacoby Brissett already being in New England, which might permit the Pats to let Daniels develop; there is not any rush or rule that claims he has to play proper out of the gate.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Look, QB availability is essential in immediately’s NFL — 66 passers began not less than one sport final season — and Kyler Murray hasn’t performed a full season since 2020. I actually like McCarthy’s long-term upside. The 21-year-old averaged 9 yards per try and accomplished 72.3% of his throws final season, and he bulked as much as 219 kilos on the mix. In brief, I believe he is a greater, youthful and extra sturdy quarterback than Murray proper now, and I am not passing up this opportunity.
You may level to Murray’s contract (which incorporates $35.3 million assured for 2024 and $29.9 million assured for 2025), however groups routinely eat substantial useless cash nowadays for a greater alternative on the place. And moreover, I believe the Cardinals may get a first-round decide again in alternate for him — keep tuned there, I may need one thing up my sleeve.
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Chargers gave up 43 sacks final season, Thirteenth-most within the NFL. So regardless of the highest receivers all being on the board and a obtrusive want there after buying and selling Keenan Allen and slicing Mike Williams, I am selecting to as an alternative shield quarterback Justin Herbert. Alt is 6-foot-9 with nice motion traits, and he gave up simply six sacks over 2,142 snaps in faculty. Fortifying the offensive line is the muse of any Jim Harbaugh staff, and that is very true after Herbert missed 4 video games final season attributable to a fractured finger. The WR class is deep, so I am taking my OT1 now and worrying in regards to the pass-catchers on Day 2.
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
4 QBs are already off the board, so the Giants want to consider getting the offense some playmakers for Daniel Jones. New York averaged 14 offensive factors per sport final season (twenty ninth within the NFL), and Darius Slayton was its main receiver with 770 yards. You is likely to be screaming for Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. right here, however this WR1 race is de facto shut, and I am really giving Nabers the sting due to his pace. Nabers averaged 15.9 yards per reception for his profession and scored 14 TDs final season. He is probably the most dynamic prospect within the class, each as a route runner and after-the-catch playmaker. The Giants’ offense desperately wants that form of impression participant.
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The Titans signed Lloyd Cushenberry at middle however minimize sort out Andre Dillard. In addition they gave up 64 sacks, tied for fourth-most within the NFL. So I am concentrating on Latham right here; he gave up two profession sacks over 41 video games (27 begins) at Alabama. He takes too many penalties (17 over the previous two seasons), however OL coach Invoice Callahan would absolutely tackle that in his rookie minicamp. I might preserve Latham on the proper facet the place his 6-foot-6, 342-pound measurement and energy ought to permit him to thrive.
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
This one is straightforward. With Kirk Cousins answering the quarterback query, the Falcons can draft the very best pass-rusher on this class after they’d 42 sacks final season (tied for twenty first). He had an unimaginable exercise on the mix, measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 247 kilos, operating a 4.46-second 40-yard sprint and leaping 40.5 inches within the vertical and 10-foot-7 within the broad. Turner had 22.5 sacks over three seasons at Alabama, and I like his motion abilities. He may even play in house when mandatory. Turner can be extremely productive proper out of the gate in Raheem Morris’ scheme.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Chicago simply traded for Keenan Allen and has a very strong set of playmakers, however how are you going to move up Harrison at No. 9? He jogs my memory of Larry Fitzgerald — he is glorious in contested catch conditions, has nice palms and will get out and in of his breaks easily regardless of being 6-foot-3 and 209 kilos. He simply had his second straight season with 14 TDs and over 1,200 receiving yards (1,211). What higher strategy to put Caleb Williams able to achieve success than loading up his supporting solid?
Marvin Harrison Jr. makes historical past in 3-TD sport in opposition to Michigan State
Marvin Harrison Jr. turns into first Ohio State participant to have a number of 1,000 receiving yard seasons after his efficiency in opposition to Michigan State.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Jets signed left sort out Tyron Smith to a one-year deal, however given his age/sturdiness considerations, Fashanu can be a really mandatory insurance coverage coverage and future constructing block. At 6-foot-6 and 312 kilos, Fashanu has glorious ft and motion abilities for his body. He performed 1,306 snaps throughout his Penn State profession and solely gave up one sack. He has perennial All-Professional potential if his approach continues to develop, giving the Jets a shutdown left sort out for years to come back. (New York additionally traded for Morgan Moses, however he is a match on the proper facet and is a 2025 free agent.)
Mock projected commerce: Vikings tackle their QB subject
Cardinals get: No. 11
Vikings get: QB Kyler Murray and No. 66 (third spherical)
I drafted J.J. McCarthy at No. 4 to take over beneath middle for Arizona, so Murray turns into a commerce candidate and Minnesota continues to be trying to find QB solutions after lacking out on the highest 4 passers within the class. I do not love the scheme match for Oregon’s Bo Nix in Minnesota, and it is too early for Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.
So this is my proposition to clear some cap house for the Playing cards, formally begin the McCarthy period in Arizona and repair the Vikings’ QB subject. In my thoughts, the No. 11 decide for Murray straight up is simply too wealthy, and No. 23 — Minnesota’s different first-rounder — by itself is just not sufficient. So I am attaching that third-rounder to the No. 11 decide to stage this out. It is much like what the Cardinals did throughout the 2022 draft, after they traded their first-round decide (No. 23) to Baltimore for receiver Marquise Brown and a third-rounder.
From the Vikings’ standpoint, the whole lot I mentioned earlier about Murray’s sturdiness nonetheless issues, however he is cheaper and youthful than Kirk Cousins would have been to re-sign and provides them an opportunity to compete this season quite than rebuild.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Mitchell had an impressive mix, operating a 4.33 within the 40, leaping 38 inches within the vert and posting a 10-foot-2 broad leap. I used to be additionally impressed together with his Senior Bowl follow week. Mitchell has standout man-to-man abilities and the perfect 6-foot-1 measurement to play outdoors nook. His ball manufacturing is elite, with 39 move breakups and 6 interceptions over his time in faculty. Arizona signed Sean Murphy-Bunting, however this staff struggled on protection (particularly in opposition to the move) final season and wishes extra. The Playing cards gave up a staggering 7.6 yards per move try (twenty seventh). Pairing Mitchell with Murphy-Bunting would make for a much-needed improve to the Cardinals’ secondary.
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Clearly Denver is in transition at QB after releasing Russell Wilson. Nix’s 77.4% completion price led the nation in 2023, and he threw 45 TD passes to 3 interceptions. He has the accuracy and anticipation to reach Sean Payton’s offense. The large concern can be the arm energy. His deep balls fluttered at instances on the Senior Bowl, and that matches what I see on tape. It could restrict his ceiling, but it surely’s additionally one thing that Payton can work round and develop.
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Raiders struggled on offense final season, and it begins up entrance. Dropping sort out Jermaine Eluemunor to the Giants leaves a gap, so I really like the thought of bringing in 6-foot-6, 324-pound Fuaga. He has began 25 video games (40 whole video games of play) and solely given up one sack, and he brings the type of bodily edge that coach Antonio Pierce needs in Las Vegas. With Kolton Miller at left sort out, I might preserve Fuaga on the proper facet.
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Offensive line is likely to be the larger place of want, however this worth for Odunze is simply too good. He is obtainable at this level solely as a result of I’ve had 5 QBs come off the board, pushing down an incredible participant. It is a break for the Saints, who want one other younger WR to enrich Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Odunze is considered one of my favourite prospects within the class — he ran a 4.45 40 at 6-foot-3 and 212 kilos in Indy and performs even greater and quicker than that. I really like his physicality on the catch level and skill to interrupt tackles within the open area. He had 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 scores final season and will develop right into a frontline No. 1 WR. I see lots of Terrell Owens in his sport.
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Whereas Gus Bradley’s scheme depends primarily on zone protection, the Colts nonetheless want to have the ability to play man to man — and Arnold would give the Colts a real CB1. Kenny Moore II is great within the slot however Indy wants a playmaker outdoors. Arnold performs quicker than his 4.5-second time within the 40-yard sprint, and he had 12 move breakups and 5 interceptions final season as Alabama’s finest nook.
Troy Fautanu, G, Washington
Seattle has achieved of fine job addressing the sort out place lately, drafting Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. However on the inside, the staff has misplaced guard Damien Lewis and middle Evan Brown. Fautanu is a plug-and-play Day 1 starter at guard. He has nice 6-foot-4, 317-pound measurement, strong size, quickness, toughness and place flexibility. He performed principally sort out at Washington, however I like him inside.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Calvin Ridley went to the Titans, and whereas the Jaguars added Gabe Davis to a receiver room that features Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, they want a real No. 1 goal. Thomas has the 6-foot-3 measurement and 4.33 pace to be a difference-maker. He had an unimaginable 2023 season with 68 catches, 1,177 yards and 17 TDs. Trevor Lawrence shall be ecstatic with this decide.
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The Bengals want a proper sort out with Joe Burrow getting back from his proper wrist harm and final 12 months’s starter (Jonah Williams) becoming a member of the Cardinals. The Trent Brown signing helps, however it’s a one-year deal, and he missed six video games attributable to harm final season. So how about Mims? He has a 6-foot-8, 340-pound body, and his 1.78-second 10-yard cut up in his 40-yard sprint reveals his acceleration. Nonetheless, Mims has performed solely 774 snaps (comparatively inexperienced for an offensive line prospect) and must be faster on his ft.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
This makes six quarterbacks within the first 19 picks however think about the larger image for the Rams. Matthew Stafford is 36 years previous and Jimmy Garoppolo is not a long-term possibility. L.A. has a great base to its roster, and Penix’s sport is well-suited for Sean McVay’s offense, due to his arm energy and accuracy from the pocket. He did not miss a sport over two years at Washington, although Penix had knee and shoulder accidents at Indiana that must be vetted. He’ll even be 24 when he enters the league.
However I simply love the manufacturing and deep-ball placement; he threw 67 TD passes and solely 19 picks over the previous two seasons, and his 4,903 passing yards led the nation in 2023. Aaron Donald’s latest retirement means defensive sort out could possibly be an possibility, however I see nice worth find a long-term answer for when Stafford is now not the man.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The Steelers have dramatically overhauled their QB place with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, however additionally they lately traded Diontae Johnson and will use a standout receiver reverse George Pickens. Mitchell had a standout season at Texas after transferring from Georgia, averaging 15.4 yards per catch and scoring 11 TDs. He can fly at 6-foot-2, operating a 4.34 on the mix, and I actually like this match.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
This decide may go in numerous methods, however with middle Connor Williams nonetheless an unsigned free agent coming off a torn ACL and Robert Hunt leaving for a big-money deal in Carolina, there’s a weak spot on the inside of the offensive line (even with the addition of Aaron Brewer). Retaining a agency pocket for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is essential for the Dolphins’ success. JPJ had an incredible week on the Senior Bowl and an amazing exercise on the mix, the place he confirmed glorious motion abilities for a 6-foot-3, 328-pound participant. Powers-Johnson began 17 video games in faculty and did not hand over a single sack.
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Might you think about a personnel grouping of Bowers, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert with a wholesome Jalen Hurts beneath middle? Bowers had 2,538 receiving yards and 26 receiving TDs over three seasons, and he would give coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore matchup benefits. He has to enhance his blocking, however I imagine that may occur in time. I additionally thought of a defensive again right here — Philly’s again seven stays a priority even with the additions of Devin White and C.J. Gardner-Johnson — however Bowers is simply too good to skip over this late in Spherical 1.
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Minnesota did an incredible job of addressing their edges in free company (Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel), and now I’ve the Vikings touchdown an explosive inside pass-rusher who had 18 sacks and 95 pressures over 45 video games at Illinois. He is coming off a foot harm and is undersized for the place at 6-foot-2 and 304 kilos, however his versatility and manufacturing is coveted on NFL defenses. Minnesota may additionally think about a cornerback right here, like Alabama’s Kool-Support McKinstry or Clemson’s Nate Wiggins.
Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Dallas drafted a much bigger defensive sort out in Mazi Smith final 12 months, however Murphy brings extra of an inside pass-rush element. He can anchor with a powerful decrease physique, although he is 6-foot-1 and 297 kilos. He had 59 pressures in 39 video games at Texas (5 sacks in 2023), and he can shut on the QB rapidly — he ran a powerful 4.87 within the 40 on the mix.
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
With longtime Packers left sort out David Bakhtiari transferring on and guard Jon Runyan signing with the Giants, Inexperienced Bay has to handle quarterback Jordan Love’s safety. Guyton’s easy motion abilities remind me of D’Brickashaw Ferguson, whom I drafted in 2006 whereas with the Jets. Guyton is a plug-and-play man from Day 1 at left sort out, after beginning 14 video games over the previous two seasons at Oklahoma since transferring from TCU. He allowed just one sack in that point.
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Coach Todd Bowles loves versatility on the again finish, and that is precisely what DeJean brings to the desk. Cornerback Carlton Davis III left for Detroit and security Antoine Winfield Jr. could also be on the town for just one 12 months on the franchise tag. DeJean had seven interceptions over his ultimate two seasons at Iowa and is an impressive punt returner. Whereas I might begin him at nook, he ultimately may evolve right into a terrific security due to his 6-foot-1 measurement, physicality and vary.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
That is Arizona’s third decide in Spherical 1 due to my Kyler Murray transfer, however the staff continues to be in search of a receiver. Michael Wilson, a 2023 third-rounder with 38 catches in his rookie season, is the Playing cards’ WR1 in the meanwhile. McConkey checks each field for them, although. On the Senior Bowl, he was uncoverable. On the mix, he ran a 4.39 within the 40 and recorded a 10-foot-4 broad leap. On the tape, he has super route-running capacity. And whereas he would most likely begin within the slot, I believe he can even win outdoors. McConkey battled an ankle harm final season however averaged 14.2 yards per catch and had 14 touchdowns over his profession.
Ladd McConkey takes one 41 yards for a Georgia TD
Carson Beck hits Ladd McConkey for a 41-yard Georgia landing to tie it up.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Gabe Davis left in free company, and Stefon Diggs has just one 12 months left of assured cash. So I am completely taking an extended have a look at the receiver class right here to construct extra round quarterback Josh Allen. Whereas Worthy’s 4.21-second run within the 40-yard sprint will get the headlines and a focus, do not sleep on his manufacturing: 197 catches and 26 TDs over three years. He is additionally a very good kick and punt returner. Worthy is undersized at 165 kilos however could possibly be a home-run hitter from the beginning of his professional profession, particularly with Allen throwing him deep balls.
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Latu has nice get-off pace and fundamentals. He had 23.5 sacks in his two seasons with UCLA, and the largest query about him at this level shall be medical-related. Latu suffered a neck harm at Washington that compelled him to medically retire in 2020 earlier than transferring and returning to the sphere two years later. However the talent and manufacturing are completely there. Even with the latest addition of Marcus Davenport on a one-year deal, the Lions may use one other pass-rusher reverse Aidan Hutchinson.
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
I actually need to get the Ravens one other edge rusher of their entrance seven. Kyle Van Noy had 9 sacks final season, whereas Jadeveon Clowney had 9.5, however each are nonetheless on the free agent market. The depth is not sturdy right here. Verse had an incredible mix (4.58-second run within the 40 at 254 kilos and a standout displaying in drills) and 18 sacks in two years with the Seminoles. His fashion of play would match properly with the Ravens.
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Fiske transferred to Florida State from Western Michigan and had an impressive season; he performs with an unimaginable motor and has nice approach. I like his first-step quickness and use of palms to separate from blocks. Fiske dominated on the Senior Bowl and adopted that up with a wild 4.78 within the 40 at 292 kilos on the mix. The 49ers changed Chase Younger, Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw with Maliek Collins, Yetur Gross-Matos and Leonard Floyd, however I am nonetheless engaged on this unit.
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The defending Tremendous Bowl champs may use a younger ascending offensive sort out, particularly since Donovan Smith is a free agent and Jawaan Taylor struggled with penalties final season. Morgan has prototypical measurement at 6-foot-5 and 311 kilos, shows the footspeed to reflect and redirect and comes with priceless expertise (37 begins beneath his belt). However his arms are a bit brief at 32â…ž inches, and he must get stronger in his decrease physique.