As we are just hours away from the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, here is a list of my final pick predictions for picks 1-16 tonight.
This list will be updated with the actual pick as they are made and a brief post-pick comment. So keep checking back throughout the night.
A separate post will cover picks 17-32.
Williams Tops The List
1. Chicago Bears
Predicted Pick: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Bears sent Justin Fields packing over the off-season. Unless they've been pulling a deep fake on everyone, Williams is the expected pick. But his behavior after USC was eliminated from contention in the college football playoffs last year has to be of concern.
Predicted Pick: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Commanders are rebuilding on both sides of the ball. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner seems a lock to go with the second pick here. But this is the Commanders so who knows?
3. New England Patriots
Predicted Pick: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
This might be the first trade on draft day, especially if Washington tabs Daniels. The Patriots have been shopping around this pick. But if they can't swing a deal, they will “settle” for Maye. He'll definitely be an upgrade over Mac Jones.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Predicted Pick: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
If Kyler Murray is going to take his next step, he needs a new top target to throw to. If the first three picks go quarterback, Harrison Jr. is there for the taking. Unless the Cardinals get a huge trade offer, they should be the team that takes him.
A New Sheriff In Los Angeles?
5. Los Angeles Chargers
Predicted Pick: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Yes, Justin Herbert is the Chargers starting quarterback. But…
Jim Harbaugh is the new head coach in Los Angeles and McCarthy just helped him win a National Title. Maybe Harbaugh drafts his boy and serves notice on Hebert to get it done in the postseason or else.
Predicted Pick: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Giants need to give Daniel Jones some help. Nabers fits the bill and is the best option remaining after Harrison.
7. Tennessee Titans
Predicted Pick: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Titans seem to have found their franchise quarterback. Now they need to get his blind side covered for a long time to come.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Predicted Pick: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Falcons have taken care of the offensive side of the ball. Now they need to focus on the defense. Maybe then they'll quit choking big leads in the second half?
Bears Get Bullish On Defense
9. Chicago Bears
Predicted Pick: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Like the Falcons, the Bears have addressed their offensive needs. Now they needs to tune up the other side. Latu will be a welcomed addition to Chicago's pass rush.
10. New York Jets
Predicted Pick: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Jets are probably looking at one last year with Aaron Rodgers. And Aaron loves him some tight ends.
Bowers would be a welcome target for Rodgers to throw to in what is likely his grand finale in the NFL.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Predicted Pick: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Assuming the Vikings don't trade up – or that McCarthy doesn't slide down to them here, it wouldn't hurt for them to add a receiver for Sam Darnold to throw to.
The other option would be to draft Bo Nix instead. But would they? If not…
12. Denver Broncos
Predicted Pick: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Despite a recent trade with the Jets to land Zach Wilson the Broncos need a quarterback – especially if Wilson's confidence is shot after the way the Jets treated him.
Sean Payton can work wonders with a quarterback – even two at a time if he has the chance.
Will The Raiders Trade Up Or Stand Pat?
13. Las Vegas Raiders
Predicted Pick: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Raiders may trade up and try to nab a quarterback. If they do miss the boat they still have Gardner Minshew to get them to 2025.
And adding a strong offensive tackle can only make Minshew's life easier.
14. New Orleans Saints
Predicted Pick: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
The Saints need to beef up their offensive line. Suamataia has that and more. He just might be the steal of the first round if New Orleans pulls the trigger here.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Predicted Pick: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Colts are feeling the need for speed in the secondary. A pick on offense is not impossible, but a cornerback instead is the better pick here.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Predicted Pick: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Seahawks need to give their new head coach some shiny new toys on the defensive side of the ball. Mike Macdonald is a defense guy and will want to improve the pass rush.
Verse fits that bill nicely.
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