A to Z Sports' Final First Round Mock Draft for the 2024 NFL Draft

Analysis: The Bears are fully prepared to make this pick official to kick off the draft on Thursday and shouldn’t have any hesitation. Caleb Williams is one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory and it finally feels like the Bears will be making the right decision as a franchise.

Williams will be inheriting a top ranked defense and overhauled offense that is prepared to find success as soon as next season if Williams proves he can hit the ground running at the next level. - Kole Noble

Previous pick: QB Caleb Williams, USC Trojans

Washington Commanders, No. 2 overall: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU Tigers

Analysis: Yes, the major gambling shift that occurred at the end of last week is something to take into account. At the same time, however, I still think it's Daniels at No. 2 when it's all said and done.

I also think Daniels is a more pro-ready prospect than Drake Maye. He's hitting his stride in terms of his development and there is zero doubt he'll put in the time and work ethic to keep pace with his current trajectory.

And the last box to be checked: Adam Peters has routinely spoken about how important leadership is at the QB position. Sure enough, that counts as an elite trait for Daniels, too. In all, the traits on top of his fit in Kliff Kingsbury's system make Daniels too good to pass up.  - Evan Winter

Previous pick: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU Tigers

New England Patriots, No. 3 overall: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina Tar Heels

Analysis: The Pats have been impressed with Maye throughout the whole process so it makes sense that’s who they would take. Plus, they have Jacoby Brissett on the roster so if Maye needs a year to sit and learn, the Patriots can lean on Brissett. - Sophie Weller

Previous pick: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina Tar Heels

Arizona Cardinals, No. 4 overall: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State Buckeyes

Analysis: Sure, the Cardinals haven’t shied away from moving around in previous drafts. But honestly? I don’t think they pull off a move on Thursday night, because Marvin Harrison Jr. is that special. Kyler Murray gets a future superstar at wide receiver that can do everything. There’s no other player they can take who can make a bigger impact than Harrison Jr. - Mauricio Rodriguez

Previous pick: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State Buckeyes

Los Angeles Chargers, No. 5 overall: WR Malik Nabers, LSU Tigers

Analysis: There is a growing sentiment that many NFL teams have LSU WR Malik Nabers as the No. 1 prospect on their draft board. Marvin Harrison Jr. comes off this board ahead of Nabers and that might be exactly what Los Angeles hopes for. With a glaring need at the position after moving on from Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, new Chargers GM Joe Hortiz stays true to their draft board and lands a weapon for franchise QB Justin Herbert. - Charles Goldman

Previous pick: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

New York Giants, No. 6 overall: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan Wolverines

Analysis: If JJ drops to sixth overall, I believe they take him. The Giants were one of two NFL teams that spoke to Russell Wilson. They signed Drew Lock for $5M guaranteed and Seahawks GM John Schneider claimed they sold Lock on the opportunity to start. This team wants a QB. - Mauricio Rodriguez

Previous pick: WR Rome Odunze, Washington Huskies

Tennessee Titans, No. 7 overall: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Analysis: With Malik Nabers off the board and no quarterback available for teams looking to trade up, the Titans take the safe bet and fill their biggest need here with Notre Dame’s Joe Alt.

Tennessee does not have a solidified starter at either tackle positions as of now. That will obviously need to change by the end of the draft.

Alt would be Tennessee’s starting left tackle in Week 1 and provide long-term stability to Will Levis’ blindside. I’d also consider Rome Odunze here, but it’s hard to pass up on the top offensive lineman in the draft class with the seventh overall pick. - Sam Phalen

Previous pick: WR Malik Nabers, LSU Tigers

Atlanta Falcons, No. 8 overall: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama Crimson Tide

Analysis:  I know what you’re thinking… Another mock draft that has the Falcons taking Dallas Turner... but it makes too much sense to take him if he’s available. Atlanta checked off their quarterback need by signing Kirk Cousins to a massive deal in free agency, so it's a bit easier to prioritize their needs heading into the draft.

One of said priorities is their pass rush, which has been ongoing for some time, now. In fact, the Falcons have failed to have a player log over 10 sacks since Vic Beasley did it in 2016 (#PTSD). Adding a 6-foot-3, 247-pound, explosive sack machine like Turner would not be a reach— he would be the difference-maker that helps take the Falcons’ overall defense go from good to great. - Kelsey Kramer

Previous pick: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State Seminoles

Chicago Bears, No. 9 overall: WR Rome Odunze, Washington Huskies

Analysis: After selecting their quarterback of the future in Caleb Williams, the Bears can immediately surround him with more top end talent on offense. Rome Odunze lining up on the outside opposite of DJ Moore with Keenan Allen in the slot would give Chicago arguably the best wide receiver trio in the league. Many scouts and experts are enamored with Odunze as a prospect and pairing him with Williams in the first round will be a home run for Chicago. - Kole Noble

Previous pick: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama Crimson Tide

New York Jets, No. 10 overall: OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State Beavers

Analysis:  Brock Bowers is so enticing here, but in the end this time, I went the safe route and took Fuaga. I think outside of Alt, Fuaga and Fautanu are the top offensive linemen on the Jets' big board because both are able to play RT or slide inside to guard.

With injury concerns all over the offensive line, getting versatile first round talent can mean the difference between the playoffs and the unemployment line.

Worse case scenario is you have another key piece of your offensive line next year without having to find more band-aid players like this season. Fuaga has all the skills to be effective, immediately, at any position the Jets need during the season. He has the size, skill and balance to be a plug-and-play starter when called upon. - Mike Antoniou

Previous pick: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia Bulldogs

Minnesota Vikings, No. 11 overall: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo Rockets

Analysis: The "Big Four" quarterbacks are off the board, so the Vikings go with their second-biggest need: cornerback.

Brian Flores recently suggested outside cornerback, Byron Murphy Jr., could see more playing time on the inside, which would obviously open up a spot, outside, in nickel packages. The Vikings have bodies to put on the perimeter, but they aren't the true No. 1 option required in today's NFL.

Enter Mitchell, arguably the top cornerback in the draft. He immediately upgrades the Vikings secondary and is a defensive foundational piece for the future. - Evan Winter 

Previous pick: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan Wolverines

Denver Broncos, No. 12 overall: OL Troy Fautanu, Washington Huskies

Analysis: With the top quarterbacks off the board, the Broncos seek to reinforce their offensive line. Garett Bolles is set to become a free agent in 2025, so Fautanu won't have a home at left tackle for the upcoming season.

However, Denver has some options to still get use out of their prized first-round rookie. They could seek to move Quinn Meinerz to center and slot Fautanu in at left or right guard opposite Ben Powers.

He could also replace Mike McGlinchey, who underperformed at right tackle in 2023. - Charles Goldman

Previous pick: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo Rockets

Las Vegas Raiders, No. 13 overall: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington Huskies

Analysis: The latest news surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders is about how they can trade up to draft Jayden Daniels, the quarterback from LSU, who has a previous relationship with Antonio Pierce. However, if they can't do that, taking Michael Penix at No. 13 is a solid idea.

This roster has some holes, but none bigger than the question mark at quarterback. They solve that issue, and they are as close as they have ever been to winning playoff games in the last 20 years- Justin Churchill

Previous pick: DL Byron Murphy II, Texas Longhorns

New Orleans Saints, No. 14 overall: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State Nittany Lions

Analysis: Boring? Maybe for Saints fans at this point - but Fashanu is arguably the second-best OT prospect in the class & has the tools to start right away for New Orleans. They don’t know the long-term outlook for Ryan Ramczyk, and Trevor Penning is not ready to be a full-time starter. The Saints attack their most dire need with a prospect with Pro Bowl-upside in round one. - Adam Holt

Previous pick: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State Nittany Lions

Indianapolis Colts, No. 15 overall: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU Tigers

Analysis:  I was between Thomas Jr. and Terrion Arnold for this pick, but the former fits exactly what the Colts need on offense - to a tee. GM Chris Ballard said he wanted the offense to be more explosive and here they add Thomas Jr., who led the FCS with 17 receiving touchdowns.

His ability to stretch the field with his 4.33 speed, as well as his 6'3 frame, is what offensive coaches crave. His route tree needs some polishing, but give him Reggie Wayne as his WR coach and he could turn into one of the best WRs from this entire class.- Destin Adams

Previous pick: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama Crimson Tide

Seattle Seahawks, No. 16 overall: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA Bruins

Analysis: There are multiple directions Seattle could go with this pick, but a top tier pass rusher would be hard to pass up. The only reason Latu would be the board, here, is if teams are worried about his medicals.

But if he received the green light, then he is one of the best pure pass rushers in this class and has arguably the deepest bag of pass rush moves. Latu can start day one for the Seahawks and with him being older than the typical rookie, I think he would be able to get off to a quicker start than the typical rookie pass rusher.  - Destin Adams

Previous pick: OL Troy Fautanu, Washington Huskies

Jacksonville Jaguars, No. 17 overall: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama Crimson Tide

Analysis: Brock Bowers is extremely tempting here, especially with Evan Engram on the roster, but the Jags need to add another piece to a secondary that allowed the seventh-most passing touchdowns (27) in 2023.

Arnold can become a true No. 1 corner and with Tyson Campbell, has the potential to form one of the league's best cornerback duos. - Evan Winter

Previous pick: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU Tigers

Cincinnati Bengals, No. 18 overall: OL J.C. Latham, Alabama Crimson Tide

Analysis: The Bengals have not been shy about their interest in this year’s top tackle prospects, and Latham is perhaps the one that fits the absolute best.

He’s a powerful tackle with the size and length the Bengals have targeted at the position lately. Two years of high-level starting experience at a major program is but another feather in his cap.

Latham likely won’t be here in the actual draft, but this is where his unexpected fall would end.. - John Sheeran

Previous pick: OL Amarius Mims, Georgia Bulldogs

Los Angeles Rams, No. 19 overall: DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa Hawkeyes

Analysis: This was a tough decision between DeJean, offensive line, and interior defensive line.

Ultimately, I went with the best product in my book. DeJean is the most NFL-ready DB in the class and showed flashes of CB1 talent at Iowa. His hips are fluid, and his ball tracking skills will transition nicely to the NFL.

The Rams added vets Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White at CB in free agency, but that should not stop them from taking a prospect like DeJean. - Adam Holt

Previous pick: DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa Hawkeyes

Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 20 overall: OL Amarius Mims, Georgia Bulldogs

Analysis: The Steelers can go a variety of ways in round one, targeting a WR, DB or offensive lineman. But arguably no player in the draft, and certainly not at OT, has the upside of Mims.

He has to overcome some durability concerns and gain valuable reps, but at 6-foot-8, 350-pounds, humans that move like ballerinas don’t grow on trees. Pittsburgh finds the second half of their tackle duo for a decade-plus, here. - Rob Gregson

Miami Dolphins, No. 21 overall: C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon Ducks

Analysis: Miami could go a number of ways here, but addressing their offensive line should be near the top of their to-do list. While some might consider it early to take an interior lineman at 21, JP-J is a pretty special combination of physicality and athleticism. He should thrive in Mike McDaniel’s outside zone running game. - Craig Smith

Philadelphia Eagles, No. 22 overall: OL Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma Sooners

Analysis: Howie Roseman is all about stacking the trenches and planning for the future, so don’t be surprised if they skip over the “sexier” position(s) on the draft board and select Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton at No. 22. Guyton would bring elite speed, agility and versatility to the Eagles’ offensive line.

The best part about this pick is the fact that Lane Johnson has already offered his mentorship services and if the Eagles let Jason Kelce pick his successor back in 2022, then who’s to say they’re not going to let Johnson do the same, which should bode very well for both the short- and long-term. - Kelsey Kramer

Minnesota Vikings, No. 23 overall (from HOU via CLE): DL Byron Murphy II, Texas Longhorns

Analysis: The Vikings get a steal, here, as Murphy falls all the way to 23.

Now, the defense is loaded with Mitchell at cornerback and Murphy at 3T. Brian Flores' defense just got even more versatile and explosive up front. Murphy is the best defensive lineman in this draft and he should make an impact, right away. - Evan Winter

Previous pick: OL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State Beavers

Dallas Cowboys, No. 24 overall: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia Bulldogs

Analysis: I have no clue how Bowers is available at 24th overall, but in this case I refuse to let him drop any further.

The Cowboys would absolutely take this chance even with Jake Ferguson on the roster. Bowers is a legit threat who can line up as an outside and slot receiver. Dallas is in need for long-term weapons and there’s no way they’d fall past No. 24.- Mauricio Rodriguez

Previous pick:  OL JC Latham, Alabama Crimsoon Tide

Green Bay Packers, No. 25 overall: OL Graham Barton, Duke Blue Devils

Analysis: Barton has short arms to play tackle for the Packers, but guard has increased market value, and Green Bay has a huge need, there. Barton would probably start from Day 1 as a right guard, giving Jordan Love an even better situation to keep growing. - Wendell Ferreira

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, No. 26 overall: DL Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois Fighting Illini

Analysis: The Packers stole the Bucs' ideal pick in Barton, so they flip to the other side of the trenches and take Newton at No. 26.

Todd Bowles has been trying to instill a capable four-man pass rush ever since he became defensive coordinator in 2019. Last year was probably the closest thing we saw to an effective four-man rush, thanks to the selection of Calijah Kancey.

Newton, who's been hosted on a top-30 visit, allows the Bucs to get ferocious on obvious passing downs and he also provides a big body that can hold up in run defense. - Evan Winter

Previous pick: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA Bruins

Arizona Cardinals, No. 27 overall (from HOU): CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson Tigers

Analysis: The Cardinals signed Sean Murphy-Bunting this offseason, but he's better suited as a CB2. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Wiggins is a long perimeter cornerback who can help solidify the secondary in Arizona.

He's a smooth athlete with lockdown cornerback upside for new defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. - Charles Goldman

Previous pick: OL Graham Barton, Duke Blue Devils

Buffalo Bills, No. 28 overall: WR Adonai (AD) Mitchell, Texas Longhorns

Analysis:  Mitchell was one of the best over-the-top threats in college football last season. He averaged over 15 yards per catch and his average depth of target was 16-yards downfield. He caught 11 touchdowns in 2023, and would be a perfect deep and intermediate compliment to Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid underneath. - Jarrett Bailey

Detroit Lions, No. 29 overall: WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina Gamecocks

Analysis: The Lions have a need for a big bodied x receiver that can make contested catches. Especially since Josh Reynolds is gone now.

The Lions would be best served to grab that guy early since most of the receivers are flying off the board early. Legette has all the tools the Lions need. He has good speed and size and his strength can help him win battles in the air and off the line. - Mike Payton

Previous pick: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama Crimson Tide

Baltimore Ravens, No. 30 overall: OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona Wildcats

Analysis: With how this mock has gone, the Ravens could potentially trade back into the second round and gain an extra pick and still land a nice player. Instead, they remain seated and take the top tackle on the board.

After letting Morgan Moses go and with Ronnie Stanley not getting any younger, the Ravens need a tackle early that can be a future starter for them. Morgan is a player that needs to improve in the run game and add strength for the NFL, but he has a nice tool bag to work with that makes him a pick to feel good about. - Brandon Little

Previous pick: DL Darius Robinson, Missouri Tigers

San Francisco 49ers, No 31. overall: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State Seminoles

Analysis: John Lynch wouldn't be able to get to the phone fast enough, in this scenario.

Yes, the 49ers could use a long-term starting right tackle and help on the interior offensive line, but the opportunity to add one of the top two edge rushers in the draft at this point would be just too enticing for them to pass up.

Verse fits exactly what the 49ers look for at edge rusher, possessing an outstanding get-off and the ability to dominate offensive linemen with how he transforms speed to power. With Verse joining Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd, the 49ers would have one of the most fearsome edge rush rotations in the NFL. - Nicholas McGee

Previous pick: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State Nittany Lions

Kansas City Chiefs, No. 32 overall: WR Xavier Worthy, Texas Longhorns

Analysis: The Chiefs were able to stay put at Pick No. 32 and get the wide receiver that people have connected to the team since he broke the 40-yard dash record at the NFL Scouting Combine in early March.

There were a few good defensive players available here, but Worthy gives Kansas City some firepower they've sorely lacked in the wide receiver room. Pairing him with Hollywood Brown will only mean good things for 2024 and beyond. - Charles Goldman

Previous pick: OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona Wildcats