At top, it’ll again be a call to arms
Bears select Williams at No 1; QBs Maye, Daniels also land in top 10
North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye announced Monday he will forgo an additional season of eligibility and declare for the 2024 NFL draft.
Maye isn’t going to play in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Neither of these developments is a surprise.
It’s rare for top prospects to participate in a bowl game once they’ve decided to go pro these days, and Maye is certainly a top prospect.
The redshirt sophomore is a contender to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, and his decision to declare will set off a debate that will likely carry us all the way to April.
USC’s Caleb Williams hasn’t declared his intentions for 2024 officially but has also made clear he’s not playing in the Trojans’ bowl game.
As of now, it’s very likely Williams and Maye are the first two names we hear announced in prime time April 25th. Underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to enter the draft or return for another college season.
Mock preamble
This is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the current draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I’ll attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.
Last season I was the third-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print, according to The Huddle Report. I’m tied for first overall (out of 172) over the past five years.
The draft has become the Super Bowl of the NFL’s second season — the NFL doesn’t have an offseason — and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.
Here’s an updated version of my 2024 NFL Mock Draft:
First round 1. Chicago from Carolina (1-12) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC, Jr.:
Bears general manager Ryan Poles could continue to build around Justin Fields by drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. (a generational talent) or trading this pick for a king’s ransom. But if there’s a new coaching staff in Chicago, conventional wisdom suggests they’ll want their own franchise quarterback. Williams is special off-platform and will likely become Trojans coach Lincoln Riley’s third quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy and go first overall, joining Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield. Top needs: WR, Edge, OL
2. New England (3-10) — Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina, So.:
The post-Tom Brady era hasn’t been kind to the Patriots or Bill Belichick. This could be the first time Belichick drafts inside the top five as a head coach (if he’s still the coach). Maye’s prototypical size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), elite arm talent and ability as a runner will cause some to question whether Williams is really the top QB in this draft class. Spoiler alert: Williams is the top QB in this draft class, but I like Maye a lot too. Top needs: QB, OL, TE
3. Arizona (3-10) — Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio St., Jr.:
Would GM Monti Ossenfort move on from Kyler Murray and trade up with the Bears or Patriots to select Williams or Maye? Perhaps, but I’m thinking the Cardinals are still committed to Murray, and Ossenfort wouldn’t complain if he were able to fill one of his roster’s biggest needs with the top overall prospect in the draft. If we were to“Weird Science”a wide receiver, the computer would almost certainly produce Harrison. The consensus All-American is a route tactician who features prototypical size (6-foot-4, 205 pounds), strong hands and athleticism with Hall of Fame NFL lineage (he’s the son of Colts legend Marvin Harrison). The last receiver to be drafted inside the Top-3 was Calvin Johnson in 2007. Top needs: WR, CB, G
4. Washington (4-9) — Joe Alt, T, Notre Dame, Jr.:
There will likely be a front office and coaching change after this season, but the Commanders haven’t had a franchise left tackle to build around since Trent Williams. The massive Irish tackle (6-8, 315) continues piling up All-American honors after another successful season in South Bend and is one of two blue chip tackle prospects in this class. Top needs: Edge, OL, DB
5. Chicago (5-8) — Malik Nabers, WR, LSU, Jr.: Regardless who the Bears have under center, they’ll need to find him another dynamic receiver to pair with DJ Moore. Nabers’ body control and route-running are top-notch and he leads the FBS in receiving yards (1,546). Top needs: WR, Edge, OL
6. New York Giants (5-8) — Keon Coleman, WR, Florida St., Jr.:
The G-Men will definitely be in the quarterback discussion leading up to the draft, but if they decide to give Daniel Jones another shot, they’ll need to find him a true No. 1 receiver. Coleman, a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, features a combination of size (6-4, 215), strength and speed uncommon in receivers. Top needs: DL, RB, WR
7. Las Vegas (5-8) — Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU, Sr.:
This is another spot where a new coaching staff likely means a new QB. Daniels had a historic season in Baton Rouge, breaking Joe Burrow’s NCAA passing efficiency record with a rating of 208 as a senior. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner also produced 3,812 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns and only four interceptions. He added 1,134 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground for good measure. Top needs: QB, CB, RB
8. Tennessee (5-8) — Olu Fashanu, T, Penn St., Jr.:
It looks like Will Levis will be the starting QB in 2024 for the Titans, so GM Ran Carthon’s next assignment is upgrading Levis’ protection. This would be a dream scenario, with three quarterbacks and three wide receivers coming off the board, to land Tennessee one of the top tackles available. Fashanu would’ve likely ended up in the first-round discussion had he declared last season. There’s still room for growth in the run game, but he’s already an elite pass-protector and could easily go in the top 5. Top needs: WR, CB, OL
9. New York Jets (5-8) — JC Latham, T, Alabama, Jr.:
Protecting a 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers has to be the highest priority for GM Joe Douglas. Latham is a super-sized tackle (6-6, 360) with elite strength and movement skills. Top needs: OL, WR, S
10. Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) — Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia, Jr.:
Works in Kansas City, so why not find Justin Herbert an elite tight end to throw to. Bowers is a top five talent, but the draft order doesn’t work in his favor. He’s the most heralded prospect at the position since Kyle Pitts in 2021. The two-time Mackey Award winner has produced 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 26 TDs in three seasons for the twotime champion Bulldogs. Pitts had 100 receptions for 1,492 yards and 18 TDs in three seasons at Florida. Top needs: CB, RB, T
11. New Orleans (6-7) — Jared Verse, Edge, Florida St., Jr.:
The Saints are another team that wouldn’t surprise me if they targeted a QB, but here we shore up a once elite defense. Like Penn State’s
Fashanu, Verse would’ve likely been a first-round pick had he declared after last season. He produced nine sacks after transferring from Albany to Tallahassee for his sophomore season. The AP All-American followed that up with another nine sacks to help the Seminoles finish the regular season undefeated. Top needs: LB, OL, Edge
12. Atlanta (6-7) — Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois, Jr.:
Kentavius Street and Calais Campbell are both free agents, so the Falcons could target another space-eater up front who can help carry the load while Grady Jarrett works his way back from the torn ACL. Newton was likely a Day 2 selection had he entered the draft after last season, which motivated him to return to school. He may be undersized (6-2, 295) for some teams, but he’s been a disruptive force the last two seasons against the run and pass. He could easily go in the Top-10 when it’s all said and done. Top needs: QB, WR, Edge
13. Seattle (6-7) — Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington, Sr.:
The Seahawks have a potential out in Geno Smith’s contract after this season. If they don’t release him, his cap hit will be north of $31 million the next two seasons. Each of Penix’s four years at Indiana ended in injury, but he’s been as good as it gets the last two seasons for the Huskies.
The Heisman Trophy finalist is a big-armed, athletic talent who might get nitpicked for his unorthodox throwing style and being a lefty. Personally, if I had a Heisman vote, Penix would have been at the top of my ballot. Top needs: LB, DL, IOL
14. Los Angeles Rams (6-7) — Amarius Mims, T, Georgia, Jr.:
The Rams’ offensive line rebounded in a major way this season, but they lack depth at tackle and could use someone to challenge Alaric Jackson on the left side. Mims is still very raw, and has dealt with multiple ankle injuries this season, but he towers (67, 340) over most of the competition and he moves easy considering his size. His athletic potential and his 2022 tape will be hard to ignore. Top needs: T, Edge, LB
15. Arizona from Houston (7-6) — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama, Jr.:
The Cardinals landed the best player in this draft (Marvin Harrison Jr.) with their first pick of the first round. Here they can continue to build a young and talented secondary. McKinstry was first-team All-SEC as a true sophomore. He features prototypical size (6-1, 194) with speed and brings physicality in coverage and against the run. He’s also proven to be a dynamic puntreturner. Top needs: WR, CB, G
16. Buffalo (7-6) — Dallas Turner, Edge,Alabama,Jr.:
AJ Epenesa, Shaq Lawson and Leonard Floyd are all facing free agency after this season, so an influx of talent on the defensive line might be a necessity for the Bills come April. Turner was overshadowed by Will Anderson Jr. his previous two seasons at Tuscaloosa — he had 8.5 sacks as a true freshman in 2021 — but he’s capable of being a star in his own right. This season, the AP All-American added some bulk to his frame and displayed more power to go with his already impressive speedrush capabilities. Top needs: DL, G, WR
17. Denver (7-6) — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson, Jr.:
Assuming the Broncos don’t trade cover corner Patrick Surtain Jr. this offseason, they still need someone opposite the All-Pro who can handle being targeted at a high volume when teams decide to avoid Surtain’s side of the field. Wiggins might need to add some strength to his frame (6-2, 185), but he already has elite ball skills and athletic abilities. Top needs: Edge, LB, DB
18. Cincinnati (7-6) — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington, Jr.:
Both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are free agents for the Bengals after this season. Odunze features elite size (6-3, 215), speed and strength, and will compete to become the second wide receiver drafted in prime-time come April. Top needs: WR, OL, DL
19. Green Bay (6-7) — Taliese Fuaga, T, Oregon St., Jr.:
It’s time for the Packers to find a successor to banged-up veteran David Bakhtiari. Fuaga is a well-rounded mauler at tackle and could be the Beavers’ first offensive lineman ever selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Top needs: DB, OL, RB
20. Tampa Bay (6-7) — Bo Nix, QB, Oregon, Sr.:
I’m not sure Baker Mayfield has done enough to keep the Buccaneers from targeting a signal-caller in the first round next year. Nix has come a long ways from his underwhelming days at Auburn. The Heisman finalist has improved his game almost across the board, showcasing better decision-making and accuracy, while maintaining his playmaking ability off-platform. The Campbell Trophy winner (nation’s best scholar-athlete) will be a 24-year-old rookie, which could diminish his draft stock a bit. Top needs: QB, LB, DB
21. Indianapolis (7-6) — Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU, Jr.:
Wide receiver would be a top priority in the offseason if the Colts lose Michael Pittman Jr. in free agency. Thomas’ physical gifts are off the charts. He’s 6-foot-4 and can hit 22 mph on the GPS. Thomas is a big-bodied vertical threat who has only scratched the surface of his potential. Top needs: LB, WR, DB
22. Minnesota (7-6) — JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan, Jr.:
I anticipate the Vikings doing their due diligence on this class of quarterbacks (and potentially moving up in the draft) if they’re unable to re-sign Kirk Cousins after this season. McCarthy led a run-heavy offense in Ann Arbor, but he’s flashed impressive arm talent, especially with intermediate throws, with big-play ability as a thrower and runner. Top needs: QB, Edge, OL
23. Pittsburgh (7-6) — Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa, Jr.:
Patrick Peterson will be 34 in 2024 and could potentially be a cap casualty after this season. DeJean can play outside or inside at cornerback, and even safety due to his size (6-1, 207) and speed combo. He’s also one of this draft’s top playmakers. Top needs: CB, C, LB
24. Kansas City (8-5) — Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas:
The Chiefs have one wide receiver on their current roster who doesn’t force Patrick Mahomes to constantly turn water into wine, and that’s Rashee Rice, who is having a solid rookie season all things considered. I don’t believe we’ve seen the best of Worthy during his time in Austin, and his world-class speed will likely be one of the highlights in Indianapolis at the combine next March. Top needs: WR, DT, CB
25. Jacksonville (8-5) — Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA, Sr.:
The Jaguars could lose Josh Allen in free agency. Latu leads college football with 64 QB pressures and features a proready arsenal of pass-rush moves. Medical evaluations of a neck injury the AP All-American suffered during his time with Washington will have a big impact on his draft stock. Top needs: Edge, OL, WR
26. Houston from Cleveland (8-5) — Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn St., Jr.:
The Texans hit it out of the park by taking CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. in the first round this year. I anticipate head coach DeMeco Ryans will continue to build a defense to pair with Stroud’s fireworks on offense, likely based on the blueprint he learned in San Francisco (all pass rushers, all the time). Robinson’s still developing his technique, but his first-step explosiveness and speed-to-power variation is a rare commodity. Top needs: OL, DL, CB
27. Miami (9-4) — Tyler Guyton, T, Oklahoma,Jr.:
Durability has become a concern for the Dolphins’ O-line, with Terron Armstead, Robert Hunt and Connor Williams all missing time. Guyton has played right tackle for the Sooners, but has the prototypical size and premium athletic traits to switch to the left side in the pros. Top needs: DL, OL, WR
28. Detroit (9-4) — Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington, Jr.:
The Lions have several defensive linemen who will be entering a contract season in 2024. Trice shares similar physical traits with Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson and is relentless against the pass or run. Top needs: CB, DL, LB
29. Dallas (10-3) — Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama, So.:
Both Stephon Gilmore and Jourdan Lewis are facing free agency for the Cowboys, and Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL in September. Based on upside, Arnold could be ranked higher on some draft boards than his Crimson Tide teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry. He’s relatively inexperienced at cornerback — he was a former safety recruit — but he’s been one of the better run defenders at the position and has proven a quick-study in coverage. Top needs: T, DB, WR
30. Baltimore (10-3) — Graham Barton, OL, Duke, Sr.:
Starting guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler will both be free agents in March. Barton could thrive at both tackle or guard (and possibly center) in the NFL. Some scouts will question his size/length for the tackle position — he’s 6-5, 314 pounds — but 34 of his 39 career starts were at left tackle for the Blue Devils (the other five were at center). He’s a technically sound, sticky blocker with quickness and competitive tendencies that deserves first-round consideration. Top needs: DT, WR, RB
31. Philadelphia (10-3) — Kalen King, CB, Penn St., Jr.:
The Eagles’ secondary has struggled mightily in 2023. King led all cornerbacks in the country with a 93.3 overall grade and an 18.3 passer rating allowed in singlecoverage as a sophomore, according to Pro Football Focus. His elite athleticism should carry him through the draft process despite inconsistent play as a junior for the Nittany Lions. Top needs: DT, DB, Edge
32. San Francisco (10-3) — Kingsley Suamataia, T, BYU, So.:
One of the few“weaknesses”of the 49ers is at right tackle and guard. Suamataia came in at No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s annual college football “Freaks List”behind only South Carolina wide receiver Nyckoles Harbor — a true freshman this year — at No. 1 and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 2. Top needs: OL, DT, CB