With the NFL getting into the lifeless interval between minicamps and coaching camp, our summer season scouting efforts to organize for the 2023 faculty soccer season are underway. Meaning we’ll proceed to have 2024 NFL mock drafts which can be up to date as we dive deeper into the nation’s expertise pool. After diving into the quarterback class and seeing the immense expertise, it’s possible that this crop of passers helps rework the league once more.
The order of this 2024 NFL Mock Draft is courtesy of a season simulation the place I hand-picked each recreation. Issues will certainly shake out in another way relating to staff success and prospects who emerge, however this NFL Draft order offers a good suggestion of what’s doable at this extremely early juncture.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1) Las Vegas Raiders (From ARI): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Las Vegas Raiders completed with the second general choose in my season simulation, however they’re in a position to make a deal to leap into the highest spot with the Arizona Cardinals. With a top-heavy roster and questionable teaching workers, the Raiders might implode in 2023. We might see each Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams enjoying elsewhere in 2024.
Nevertheless, on this state of affairs, giving Caleb Williams each Jacobs and Adams together with a brand new workers could be splendid. Williams is a dynamic presence, boasting a terrific arm and uncommon playmaking. Due to USC’s porous offensive line and lack of premier pass-catching expertise, it’s doable Williams’ anticipation and pre-snap processing are extra superior than what we’ve seen.
2) Arizona Cardinals (From LV): Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The thought is that if the Cardinals are this dangerous in 2023, and their roster appears worse than some other staff within the NFL, then they need to dump Kyler Murray. The issue is the cash on Murray’s deal makes that problematic. Arizona might probably discover a taker for his upcoming $230.5 million extension, however the lifeless cap hits in 2024 and 2025 whole $79 million.
Perhaps that received’t matter, however cash often influences selections. As a substitute of taking a quarterback, the Cardinals may benefit from including a blue-chip cross rusher. After passing on Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. of their commerce down with Houston throughout the 2023 NFL Draft, they get an much more explosive expertise in Jared Verse.
3) Los Angeles Rams: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Whereas Arizona might’ve traded down farther from the No. 1 choose, they definitely wouldn’t need to give the Los Angeles Rams their choose of the QB class. The Rams’ roster is terrible at key positions, they usually’re one damage to both Matthew Stafford or Cooper Kupp from being unable to compete on most recreation days. Discovering their subsequent franchise quarterback must be the precedence if Stafford doesn’t bounce again in 2023.
The hole between Williams and Drake Maye isn’t huge, however there’s a distinction proper now. Maye’s first season was paying homage to Justin Herbert’s wonderful sophomore season at Oregon, which ended up being a greater projection of his NFL profession than his later seasons. He was an thrilling participant in 2022, however there’s nonetheless plenty of room to enhance, which provides him Trevor Lawrence-type potential.
4) Chicago Bears (From CAR) Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Ending with a worse report than they did final yr regardless of including the 2023 No. 1 general choose and a brand new teaching workers could be removed from splendid for Carolina. Nevertheless, the Bears received’t complain about the results of the commerce that landed them this choose of their commerce down from this previous draft.
Ohio State large receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is value each little bit of hype possible. He has elite measurement, catch radius, play power, and polish. The NFL is loaded with younger, proficient playmakers, however we haven’t seen somebody of Harrison’s pedigree since Julio Jones.
5) Arizona Cardinals (From HOU): JC Latham, OT, Alabama
After including one franchise sort out in Paris Johnson Jr. on this previous draft, the Cardinals ought to return to the properly and deal with the opposite sort out spot. Alabama’s JC Latham isn’t the very best participant of the highest tackles proper now, however he’s the very best athlete of the highest three names. Transferring from proper sort out to left sort out this fall, he’ll even have expertise at each spots.
Latham has wonderful power and is a naturally-smooth mover in area regardless of being so giant. His skill to interact with and preserve hands-on defenders has to enhance, but it surely’s truthful to count on Latham to proceed bettering.
6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State
The 2024 QB class has some spectacular bodily specimens, and Jordan Travis definitely suits in that bucket. Regardless of standing solely 6’1″ and 212 kilos, Travis has a cannon for an arm and confirmed the power to develop at a fast tempo in 2022. Every part from his anticipation, accuracy, playmaking, and pocket presence took leaps all through final season.
Now surrounded by an improved surrounding forged, Travis could have the possibility to point out he’s a high-end pocket passer. If he does, and the Buccaneers’ QB state of affairs proves to be as bleak because the beginning candidates have given us cause to imagine it’ll be, Tampa Bay can put money into Travis with confidence.
7) Tennessee Titans: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
It’s not a secret that the Titans are missing playmaking. After touchdown quarterback Will Levis within the second spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft, Tennessee has to proceed including star-level cross catchers to ensure that him to succeed.
2022 fourth-round TE Chigoziem Okonkwo confirmed good potential as a rookie, however he received’t cease the staff from taking Brock Bowers. A part of the explanation why is that Bowers and Okonkwo can play collectively.
Bowers has uncommon motion expertise and coordination regardless of his huge physique, which usually brings awkwardness. He’s the uncommon tight finish really value taking in Spherical 1 as a result of he’s extra of a large receiver.
8) Atlanta Falcons: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
If Atlanta is once more selecting eighth general, then it’s clear that the Desmond Ridder expertise didn’t work. As a substitute, the best-case state of affairs is to land somebody greater than comfy in an RPO-based offense that has wonderful accuracy and the power to push the ball downfield to Drake London and Kyle Pitts. That may very well be Texas’ Quinn Ewers.
Ewers had an up-and-down first season on the sector, however his peaks had been wonderful. His footwork has to see a significant soar in consistency, nevertheless. Ewers is just not the athlete that a few of his friends are, however his passing instruments are phenomenal. There’s stress on him to place his instruments collectively in a rush as Arch Manning looms behind him on the depth chart, however Ewers is usually a diamond if it occurs.
9) Indianapolis Colts: Kool-Help McKinstry, CB, Alabama
With rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson already impressing in Indianapolis, the Colts could possibly shift their focus to beefing up their protection right here. The cornerback class in 2024 isn’t notably spectacular at this juncture, however Kool-Help McKinstry is a superb cowl nook who’s approach forward of the sector.
Pairing McKinstry with JuJu Brents would full a revamp of the CB room that has been missing younger, high-impact expertise for years. McKinstry has the size, attentiveness, and clear ft to be an instantaneous stud. He’s not a ball hawk but however is in any other case as sticky when shadowing receivers as prospects come.
10) New York Giants: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Taking a first-round receiver may very well be in play for the New York Giants, however the younger duo of Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson may be constructing blocks within the staff’s best-case end result. The power of the 2024 class seems to be within the trenches, so the board has given us the possibility to bolster the Giants’ cross rush.
There’s a scarcity of confirmed, constant pass-rush stars in faculty proper now, however JT Tuimoloau is probably the most spectacular prospect of the bunch. He has elite measurement at 6’4″, 277 kilos, great play power, and sufficient bend in his hips to venture to be a protection’s high pass-rush menace.
11) New England Patriots: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Although he doesn’t have the overwhelming athleticism that some high offensive sort out prospects have boasted in recent times, Olumuyiwa Fashanu has all the pieces wanted to be an excellent participant early in his NFL profession. He’s efficient at staying in entrance of defenders, utilizing his lengthy attain and wonderful persistence to outlive towards probably the most fierce cross rushers. His baseline is excessive, and he nonetheless has a number of areas he can enhance upon.
His pad stage and general leverage can enhance his skill to drive defenders backward within the run recreation. His skill to maintain defenders shut sufficient to fight their arms however far sufficient to not get into his physique is one other level of growth. However these are issues that may get him to an elite stage and are usually not needed for him to be value this choose.
12) Minnesota Vikings: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
I used to be stunned to return to Oregon’s movie and see a a lot totally different model of Bo Nix from his time at Auburn. Whereas he was at all times a participant with wonderful bodily instruments, Nix was in a position to put collectively his items instantly upon arriving in Eugene, Oregon. The end result was a marked enchancment in accuracy, decision-making, and effectiveness.
Nix could have landed as a first-round choose on this previous class had he declared. One other season of refinement ought to push him previous the purpose of doubt. Nix can provide Minnesota all the pieces that Kirk Cousins isn’t, which is a inventive playmaker with a knack for developing huge in clutch moments.
13) Chicago Bears: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The Bears should proceed dumping assets into their cross rush because it’s the clear weak level of their protection. Chop Robinson is a speedy presence who’s extra of a projection than a confirmed star proper now, however his 6’3″, 240-pound body presents a ton of promise. He has nice hip flexibility and a primary step that can result in NFL success.
14) Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Pittsburgh has a historical past of discovering nice Day 2 worth with large receivers, however there’s now a scarcity of expertise on the place transferring ahead. With Diontae Johnson rising as a doable commerce asset, discovering an improve will turn out to be a much bigger precedence.
Emeka Egbuka is a perfect accomplice for George Pickens, because of his elite skill to create after the catch and torment zone defenses along with his quickness. Like different latest Ohio State receivers, Egbuka may be even higher within the NFL as soon as he’s away from the deep rotation that the Buckeyes boast.
15) Washington Commanders: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The very best lineman in faculty soccer proper now’s Joe Alt of Notre Dame. The large 6’8″, 315-pounder boasts top-end mirror skill and is seamless as he picks up stunts and delayed blitzes. He’s susceptible to overcompensating with the highest half of his physique and reaching however is in any other case a technically pure participant who can begin at left sort out instantly.
16) New York Jets: Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami (FL)
If Aaron Rodgers is again in 2024, this choose will probably be Inexperienced Bay’s because it conveys if he performs 65% of snaps this coming season.
Groups can by no means have sufficient disruptive presences of their line of defense. Leonard Taylor would pair properly with Quinnen Williams as a 6’3″, 305-pounder who can get into the backfield in a rush. With 10 or extra tackles for loss in every of the final two seasons, Taylor is definitely a drive to be reckoned with.
17) Denver Broncos: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
It’s doable that Denver may very well be quarterback-shopping subsequent offseason, however an enchancment could preserve Russell Wilson round one other yr. If Wilson is healthier in 2023, then beefing up the roster to compete for the playoffs in 2024 would be the precedence. Including extra cross rushers shall be key.
Dropping Dre’Mont Jones this previous offseason will sting. Jer’Zhan Newton is a worthy substitute as a 280-pound sort out who routinely finds himself within the backfield, disrupting performs.
18) Los Angeles Chargers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
The very best playmaking defensive again within the nation is Cooper DeJean. A flexible, athletic presence who hung out as a boundary nook, slot security, and field defender, DeJean has a knack for locating the ball. He has nice size and burst that enables him to make quarterbacks assume twice earlier than focusing on him.
DeJean would profit from the expertise round him in Los Angeles’ secondary as he might play freely to assault the ball. The Chargers should proceed throwing belongings into their protection as long as Patrick Mahomes is of their division.
19) Inexperienced Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The very best pure athlete of the highest tackles is Jordan Morgan of Arizona. Sadly, he tore his ACL in November 2022, so he returned to highschool simply months earlier than probably listening to his title known as within the first spherical of the 2023 class. If Morgan can show he’s again to his full type by April 2024, he ought to be a lock to be somebody’s franchise left sort out. He’s that good.
20) New Orleans Saints: Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
A fast have a look at Dallas Turner exhibits a strong athlete who is probably going extra of an off-ball linebacker than a real edge defender. Regardless of his 12.5 profession sacks, Turner cleaned up extra sacks than created them. He’s an undersized edge participant who does higher in area as a weak-side defender that crashes from the again aspect of performs.
The Saints love athletic, versatile defenders who may be moved round. Finally, Turner and Pete Werner may very well be the brand new core of the protection.
21) Baltimore Ravens: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Including one other first-round receiver after drafting Zay Flowers received’t be out of the query until Odell Beckham or Rashod Bateman star in 2023.
After transferring from Michigan State to Florida State, Keon Coleman is in for an enormous yr with quarterback Jordan Travis. Coleman is a ball-dominant playmaker who can provide Lamar Jackson a presence he’s by no means had earlier than.
22) Buffalo Payments: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Buffalo Payments opted towards taking a large receiver early in 2023 regardless of there being hope amongst the fan base they’d deal with their lack of depth on the place. With Stefon Diggs’ unusual offseason state of affairs that instantly popped up final week, the staff has to handle the receiver place in 2024. Washington playmaker Rome Odunze could be a superb match subsequent to Diggs and 2023 first-round tight finish Dalton Kincaid.
Odunze’s 6’3″ body permits him to bully smaller receivers and supply his quarterback with an enormous catch radius. He’s not a refined route runner but, however the Payments haven’t sought out that ability set from the place anyway.
23) Detroit Lions: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
The Lions might simply seize one other large receiver if Jameson Williams continues to underwhelm. Nevertheless, after passing on the chance to bolster their cross rush on this previous draft, Detroit can add Bralen Trice. The 6’4″, 256-pounder has been productive, because of his strong velocity and measurement.
At greatest, a three-man rotation of Aidan Hutchinson, Trice, and Josh Paschal is an inexpensive and explosive trio to anchor the protection for years to return.
24) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Jack Sawyer is definitely a projection proper now primarily based on the actual fact he began solely three video games final yr, however the former five-star prospect is as toolsy as anybody. With the flexibility to line up as a down lineman or a strong-side linebacker, Sawyer is usually a true defensive weapon. His mix of power and go off the road might result in an eventual top-10 rating.
25) San Francisco 49ers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The San Francisco 49ers have a fragile state of affairs on their arms with large receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk going through crucial contract junctures. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the franchise transfer on from one or each playmakers if the 2023 season doesn’t go as anticipated. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has proven supreme confidence in his skill to draft and develop playmakers as a substitute of paying veterans.
Malik Nabers suits the mildew as an Aiyuk clone or substitute. He’s speedy and refined as a route runner, threatening defenses along with his skill to achieve simple separation.
26) Miami Dolphins: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
The Dolphins invested a third-round choose in Devon Achane, however their continued curiosity in Dalvin Cook dinner is revealing that they don’t view Achane because the workhorse. That is sensible, given his measurement. With Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. as fantastic veterans, the Dolphins would profit from including a real star within the backfield if Cook dinner isn’t signed.
Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson is a significant X-factor. He handled a foul foot damage that restricted his availability and explosiveness in 2022 however count on him to return to type this fall. Henderson has great acceleration to go along with good contact stability and the power to achieve the second stage of the protection shortly.
27) Seattle Seahawks: Jeff Sims, QB, Nebraska
Although I count on Seattle to be fairly good this season, their curiosity within the 2023 quarterback class was documented all through the offseason. They thought of drafting an inheritor obvious to Geno Smith with their fifth general choose. Even when they turn out to be a deep playoff contender, planning for the long run makes some sense.
In very restricted enjoying time, Jeff Sims regarded like a possible star at Georgia Tech. Now at Nebraska with Matt Rhule, Sims has the profile of being an enormous riser all through the 2023 season. He boasts a robust arm, nice athleticism, and the sector imaginative and prescient you need from a franchise passer.
28) Houston Texans (From CLE): Prince Umanmielen, EDGE, Florida
The Cleveland Browns are lowkey stacked on each side of the ball however this choose conveys to Houston from the Deshaun Watson commerce. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans ought to decide to proceed constructing a deep rotation of defenders to unleash. Prince Umanmielen is a speedy, moldable, athletic piece of clay who is usually a huge winner with extra consistency this fall.
29) Philadelphia Eagles: Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida
Even after nabbing cornerback Kelee Ringo within the fourth spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Eagles will want extra expertise on the place until Eli Ricks develops into the star he as soon as regarded like a few years in the past. With Darius Slay and James Bradberry on the again finish of their careers, Jason Marshall Jr. is a becoming inheritor. He’s additionally one of many few greater, extra bodily corners in a category crammed with sub-six-foot choices.
30) Cincinnati Bengals: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
Veteran heart Ted Karras is a fantastic stopgap for now, however the Cincinnati Bengals have continued to pour assets into their line for cause. Sedrick Van Pran is a robust and athletic presence who may be Joe Burrow’s greatest good friend for a decade. The Bengals’ run recreation would additionally profit from the improve.
31) Dallas Cowboys: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
The Dallas Cowboys have been making an attempt to overtake their linebacker corps with a number of third-round picks over the previous couple of drafts, but it surely’s telling that Leighton Vander Esch remains to be probably the most viable choice on the staff. Barring a breakout from rookie DeMarvion Overshown in 2023, passing on Jeremiah Trotter Jr. shall be troublesome. Trotter is a new-age linebacker who can do all of it.
The six-foot, 230-pounder has the instincts and flexibility you’d count on from the son of a longtime NFL veteran. He must be extra of a bodily finisher in open area to lock in his worth, however he may be extremely priceless on a proficient unit that can transfer him round.
32) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: Maason Smith, DT, LSU
You possibly can by no means have sufficient huge, proficient, freak athletes alongside the line of defense. After seeing Bryan Bresee go within the first spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft not too far faraway from a torn ACL, LSU’s Maason Smith may have the possibility to do the identical. The freshman phenom has nice measurement at 6’5″, 300 kilos, and a primary step that can assist Chris Jones proceed dominating alongside the Chiefs’ line.
