NFL Analysis

1/1/24

16 min read

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions After Week 17

Week 17 brought some slight shake-ups in the top five. We start to see just how the quarterback dominos can affect things inside the top 10 of this 2024 NFL mock draft. With one week left in the regular season, we know the Bears will own the No. 1 overall pick after Carolina’s loss to the Jaguars. But aside from that, a lot can change over the next week.

This week brought us many exciting games, upsets, and playoff-clinching wins. It also highlighted some areas certain NFL teams must improve in the 2024 NFL Draft.

LATEST 2024 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1. Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Justin Fields continues to make his case to remain in Chicago, but the best move long-term for the Chicago Bears is to trade Fields in the offseason and restart their contending window with Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. Williams' style of play more closely resembles Fields with a much higher ceiling from the pocket.

2. Washington Commanders

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 230 pounds
Class: Sophomore

Fit: Somehow, the Washington Commanders cannot get away from Sam Howell. A week after announcing Howell’s benching, Jacoby Brissett suffered a hamstring injury in practice leading up to their week 17 game against San Francisco, forcing Howell back into the lineup.

Washington is all but announcing they will be in the quarterback market this offseason, and picking second overall locks them into one of the two top quarterbacks.

3. New England Patriots

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: With the top two quarterbacks off the board, New England’s best move would be to pivot to the best offensive player in the draft in WR Marvin Harrison Jr. 

Whoever is quarterbacking the New England Patriots in 2024 will need more help on offense, and Harrison would provide more than enough for it.

4. Arizona Cardinals

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Malik Nabers runs the ball as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 200 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: After a big win against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, the Arizona Cardinals might have played themselves out of the Marvin Harrison Jr. sweepstakes. But have no fear, Cardinals fans. LSU WR Malik Nabers is an excellent consolation prize. The Cardinals offense needs more juice, and Nabers has plenty of it.

5. New York Giants

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 210 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: The New York Giants did exactly what they should have over the weekend. Losing a close game to a good team by a missed field goal at the end is perfect for a team that gets the benefit of feeling good about themselves without winning its way out of a franchise quarterback. Jayden Daniels' rise to the top five is no fluke after a dominant year at LSU. His athleticism and arm talent instantly raises the ceiling of New York’s offense.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) is tackled by Tennessee linebacker Aaron Beasley (6) during a game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 240 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Los Angeles Chargers are a bad football team. Needing help on offense and defense, the Chargers must do the right thing and take the best player available when they get on the clock. While tight end is one of the least valuable positions in the NFL, Brock Bowers’ impact on offense will be felt in more ways than one.

7. Tennessee Titans

Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) blocks Stanford Cardinal linebacker Jordan Fox (10) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. (Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 315 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Tennessee Titans desperately need a left tackle, and luckily for them, Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu should be available when they are on the clock come April. Alt is a better system fit for Tennessee and will improve the Titans' offense with his pass protection and run blocking.

8. New York Jets

Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 319 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Whether it’s an offensive lineman or wide receiver, the New York Jets will likely add one of those positions with their first-round pick in April. Olu Fashanu wins out here due to the player's value at a position of need for the Jets, who must protect Aaron Rodgers’ blindside.

9. Atlanta Falcons

Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner celebrates after a sack in the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 242 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Despite getting some impressive results from their defense in 2023, the Atlanta Falcons need to add some impact defenders this offseason. The first order of business is figuring out what the quarterback position will look like, then turning their attention to positions of value on defense. Edge is one of the golden five positions in the NFL, and Dallas Turner will likely win the Edge1 race when it’s all said and done.

10. Chicago Bears

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) eludes Washington State Cougars defensive back Sam Lockett III (0) during the fourth quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. (Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: DJ Moore continues to prove he’s one of the best young receivers in the NFL, but adding to the receiver room from this deep draft class would be wise for Chicago. Washington WR Rome Odunze lacks elite athleticism and explosiveness but is one of the more pro-ready receivers in this class due to his route running, contested catch ability and knack for creating after the catch.

11. Las Vegas Raiders

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Terrion Arnold (3) breaks up a pass intended for LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 42-28. (Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 196 pounds
Class: Sophomore

Fit: We’re hearing more and more buzz about Terrion Arnold being the first cornerback drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Arnold possesses all the traits to develop into an elite cornerback at the next level. Arnold showcased his elite ball skills and ball production this year for Alabama, and those should translate well in the NFL.

12. Green Bay Packers

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. (Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 185 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The cornerback position in Green Bay is in an interesting spot. As talented as Jaire Alexander is, his inability to stay healthy makes it challenging to rely on him for an entire season. Clemson CB Nate Wiggins is a bit undersized, like Alexander, but is one of the best cover cornerbacks in this draft. His pairing with Alexander would give the Green Bay Packers one of the better cornerback duos in the NFL.

13. Minnesota Vikings

Jer’Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois

Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (4) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. (Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 295 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: One of the better pairings this year is getting Jer'Zhan Newton with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Newton is undersized, but his ability to get after quarterbacks and live in opponents' backfields would be a match made in heaven for Flores and the Vikings. Minnesota moves its personnel around a ton to find advantageous matchups.

14. New Orleans Saints

Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) during warm ups against the Louisville Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 260 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Jared Verse feels like the perfect successor to Cameron Jordan. Both guys can impact the pass and the run, and play with relentless effort when rushing the quarterback. Verse has the size, power and pass-rush arsenal to make an impact early in his career. While he is not the athletic freak at the edge position, he wins using power, length and technique, something Jordan made a career off of in New Orleans.

15. Denver Broncos

Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Washington State Cougars running back Nakia Watson (25) is brought down by UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Carl Jones Jr. (4) and defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) during the second half at Rose Bowl. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 265 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: While the Denver Broncos could be in the race for Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, or J.J. McCarthy, Sean Payton will likely fight for a more proven veteran to run his offense. Laiatu Latu’s draft projection will all come down to his medicals, but there’s no denying the skillset of the UCLA edge rusher. Latu is a three-down player who can impact pockets as a pass rusher and play stout against the run.

16. Cincinnati Bengals

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) and offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 340 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Cincinnati Bengals must invest premium assets in the offensive line. With Joe Burrow returning from injury, keeping him protected should be the primary focus for the Bengals heading into the 2024 season.

Amarius Mims is a monster offensive tackle prospect with the size, length, and athleticism to be a long-term answer for the Bengals at left tackle.

17. Arizona Cardinals

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) celebrates after a missed field goal by LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium. (Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 195 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Cornerback is one of the leading positions of need for Jonathan Gannon’s defense, and Kool-Aid McKinstry will fit right in. Shoring up the Arizona pass defense can be the next step in getting the Cardinals back to a possible playoff contender sooner rather than later.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) celebrates with a cow bell in Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University. Alabama defeated Mississippi State 40-17. (Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News)

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 360 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones has been a success for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but moving him back to his natural position at left tackle and finding the right tackle of the future would be a massive win for Pittsburgh. JC Latham was a crucial factor in Alabama’s offensive success in 2023, and his ability to dominate as a run blocker and keep rushers away from the pocket will have him coveted by all teams looking for right tackle help.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) passes against the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. (Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 213 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely have a new coaching staff in 2024, meaning there’s an excellent chance they could draft a quarterback early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Michael Penix Jr. can make a lot of money with his performance in the College Football Playoff. Still, regardless, he should be drafted at some point in the first round because there are so many quarterback-needy teams. The fit and value here with Tampa Bay make a ton of sense.

20. Seattle Seahawks

Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington

USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Bralen Trice (8) celebrates after a play against the Washington State Cougars in first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. (James Snook-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 274 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Another week, another game where the Seattle Seahawks defense was a major letdown against a lesser opponent. Seattle’s defense is filled with volatility from a personnel standpoint, and Bralen Trice can help shore up things from a down-to-down consistency standpoint. 

21. Indianapolis Colts

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Brian Thomas Jr 11 runs the ball as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Whether Michael Pittman Jr. is retained or not is still up in the air, but the Indianapolis Colts need to add playmakers to their offense for Anthony Richardson when he returns from injury. Brian Thomas Jr. is one of the draft's most dynamic and productive receivers and can be a reliable option for Shane Steichen and the Colts offense.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars

Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) prepares to block California Golden Bears linebacker Braxten Croteau (52) during the third quarter at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium. (Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 317 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: One of my favorite pairings in this draft is Washington OL Troy Fautanu to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Doug Pederson needs improvement in the interior of the Jacksonville offensive line, and Fautanu’s move inside to guard should be a smooth transition for the Washington offensive lineman. Fautanu offers position flexibility at tackle and guard and is one of the more underrated linemen in the draft.

23. Los Angeles Rams

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Cam Johnson (14) tries to catch a pass as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) defends during the first half at Wrigley Field. (David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 207 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Despite an impressive season from the Los Angeles Rams, continuing to add to the defense will be vital in maintaining their success heading into 2024. Cooper DeJean is one of the better defensive chess pieces in this draft class, and his ability to play all over the field at a high level instantly improves the Rams' defense, which has been a bit suspect down the stretch.

24. Buffalo Bills

Keon Coleman, WR, FSU

Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) warms up during the first half against Wake Forest at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Buffalo Bills wide receiver room is one of the more inconsistent units in the NFL. Adding Keon Coleman’s size, reliability, and big-play upside to the Bills offense is hard not to get excited about. Despite his lack of long speed, Coleman has the size, ball skills, and body control to be a consistent threat in the Buffalo offense and take pressure off Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs.

25. Kansas City Chiefs

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin celebrates a touchdown against Oregon State at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 187 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The need to add weapons at receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs is no secret. Troy Franklin’s ability to create in all three levels and line up all over the field in Andy Reid’s offense would give Patrick Mahomes and Reid the reliable option at wide receiver they’ve missed since Tyreek Hill’s departure.

26. Philadelphia Eagles

Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

Georgia defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) prepares to cover Missouri wide receiver Mookie Cooper (5) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 180 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Philadelphia Eagles' defense is broken. Allowing the Arizona Cardinals offense to dominate you through the air and on the ground should not happen, but the Eagles' defense allowed it for four quarters on Sunday. Howie Roseman loves Georgia prospects, and Kamari Lassiter is one of the best this year.

27. Detroit Lions

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. (Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 196 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: It should surprise no one that just a few days after allowing CeeDee Lamb to gain 227 yards on 13 receptions, we have the Detroit Lions taking a cornerback with their first-round pick. Quinyon Mitchel is athletic and physical. He has tremendous ball and cover skills to step in —  in his first season — and play a big role in Aaron Glenn’s defense.

28. Houston Texans

Adonai MItchell, WR, Texas

Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) catches the ball for an first down against Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish (10) in Austin, Texas.

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 196 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Houston Texans have done some tremendous things on offense in 2023 with a rookie quarterback and no real dynamic threats. That should change in 2024 with the ability to add a difference maker at receiver to pair with Nico Collins, Tank Dell and star QB C.J. Stroud.

29. Miami Dolphins

Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks Stanford linebacker Levani Damuni (3) at Stanford Stadium. (Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 334 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: With some short-term concerns regarding the interior of the Miami Dolphins' offensive line and some long-term concerns at tackle, Taliese Fuaga would be an excellent fit for Miami’s offense. Fuaga is a dominant run blocker who offers tackle/guard versatility and could do some big things in Mike McDaniels' offense.

30. Dallas Cowboys

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Oklahoma offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against Kansas during a game at Lawrence, Kan. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 328 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Dallas Cowboys have an offensive tackle issue. Tyron Smith continues to battle injuries and is nearing the end of his career. Terrence Steele received a nice contract last offseason but has been a significant liability this year and may not be the long-term answer at right tackle. Tyler Guyton has some position flexibility and can play on both sides of the line for the Cowboys. Whether it’s taking over for Smith when he retires or replacing Steele if his struggles continue, the Cowboys need to begin the offensive line rebuild, and Guyton is a great start.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson (44) celebrates after sacking Massachusetts quarterback Taisun Phommachanh in the first half of a game in State College, Pa. The Nittany Lions won, 63-0.

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 254 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: While edge is not a huge weakness for the San Francisco 49ers, Chase Young and Clellin Ferrell are free agents at the end of the season, and you can never have too many pass rushers. Chop Robinson has a way to go as a run defender and will need to improve his technique as a rusher, but he has one of the best first steps in this class and oozes upside due to his athletic profile.

32. Baltimore Ravens

J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (44) points out a false start during the first half of an NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 270 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: At the end of the season, the Baltimore Ravens will lose some key pieces on their defensive line in free agency, and J.T. Tuimoloau’s versatility will instantly fill a void in Baltimore. The Ravens' defensive results will be tough to replicate in 2024, but continuing to build along the defensive line can help mitigate some of their deficiencies on the backend.


RELATED