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

Fit: The Washington Commanders face a tough decision at No. 2. Drake Maye looks the part and possesses surprising athleticism, allowing him to threaten defenses with his legs. He's a gamer who doesn't hesitate to take matters into his own hands when he has to.

That said, Maye doesn't have the cannon for an arm you'd expect for his size. He looks like Justin Herbert with his stature and running ability, but his arm strength is closer to average than elite. He compensates for it well with a good touch and a quick reaction time when he sees a target coming open. 

Maye is the more consistent option between him and Jayden Daniels, but Washington needs to decide how its offense will function. Investing in Daniels' more explosive skill set is defensible. 

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 210 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: There's been plenty of chatter about the New England Patriots' willingness to trade down, but I don't buy it. The Patriots have a great defense to rely on next year, and even a moderate facelift on offense could push them to eight wins in 2024. Next year's quarterback class isn't bad, but landing a franchise star in the middle of any first round is daunting.

The franchise has never had a playmaker such as Jayden Daniels.

The dynamic dual-threat quarterback has proven to be a hard worker, developing from an interesting but inconsistent performer at Arizona State to a feared, Heisman-winning star at LSU. His skill set and playing style are reminiscent of Kyler Murray, except Daniels has the benefit of more experience in college and being six inches taller.

However, Daniels has more development to do. His strong arm and lightning-quick speed give him a chance to be a difference-maker at the position, but his anticipation and willingness to throw over the middle will determine his true upside. Considering the quarterback talent across the AFC, New England should happily gamble on Daniels' tools.

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 209 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: This might be the easiest pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to predict. Without a star playmaker on the offense to complement Kyler Murray, why not take the best receiving prospect since A.J. Green and Julio Jones? Some want to put Malik Nabers in the same sentence as Marvin Harrison Jr., but make no mistake about what the Ohio State playmaker could be. 

With elite fluidity, flexibility and coordination at ideal size, Harrison could be this generation's Andre Johnson. Johnson churned out 1,000-yard seasons throughout his career, regardless of who threw him the ball, and Harrison boasts a similar competitive nature and skill set. 

Giving Harrison an explosive passer who wants to feed his WR1 as Murray does will ensure the Arizona Cardinals get the absolute most out of the wide receiver.

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 324 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Jim Harbaugh is calling the shots, so we can be confident the first priority of his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers will be to improve the team's toughness. The Chargers have uncertainty at right guard and right tackle, and while their receiving room could use a reliable young star, filling those blocking needs is more important. Plus, this class offers a ton of options on Day 2.

Joe Alt is the best blocker in this draft, but Taliese Fuaga might be the best pro. Fuaga, a dominant right tackle from Oregon State, is as physically menacing as humans come. He's equally capable of swallowing defenders as a pass blocker as he is mauling someone in the run game.

Whether he's plugged in at guard or tackle doesn't matter. Herbert would immediately benefit from Fuaga's presence. 

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 219 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Regardless of the money owed to Daniel Jones in 2024, the New York Giants won't tie their future to the mediocre veteran longer than they have to. Between injuries and uneven play, coach Brian Daboll has to use this opportunity to find a replacement for Jones. If he doesn't, he risks being on the hot seat soon. 

Plugging J.J. McCarthy into an offense that is used to not asking much of its quarterback makes a lot of sense. McCarthy has notable concerns after Michigan won a national title without needing him to carry the offense. However, scouts and coaches love to develop players with great tools, and McCarthy is an above-average athlete with a strong arm.

New York can afford to sit McCarthy in 2024 while it continues rebuilding an offense that needs help at both guard spots and receiver. However, the Giants might be unable to keep him off the field for long if Jones continues to struggle. 

Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 321 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: It's not often a team in the top 10 lands a steal, but Joe Alt falling to the seventh pick gives the Tennessee Titans an easy decision. Unless the franchise is in love with a quarterback, taking the best blocker in the class immediately helps the Titans' woeful offense more than anyone else would. Alt moves extremely well for the position and profiles as an immediate quality starter.

Tennessee's young offense will still need to address the right side of the line and find more receiving talent. Passing on Alt for a playmaker doesn't make sense for a franchise with the worst offensive line in the NFL.

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 195 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: We rarely see players from the MAC go in the first round, but Quinyon Mitchell has distinguished himself as the top corner of the class. His film looked exactly like what you'd expect from a premier athlete playing against middling competition. He silenced any questions about his ability to play against better talent at the Senior Bowl and the combine.

Running a 4.33-second 40-yard dash and leaping 38 inches checked the final boxes on Mitchell's resume. The Atlanta Falcons, who have been desperately looking for a partner for A.J. Terrell at corner, likely love his ability to thrive in both press-man and off-zone assignments. Mitchell has the tools and instincts to be even better than the veteran.

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 212 pounds
Class: Sophomore

Fit: The race for the draft's second-best pass-catcher is a closer battle. While Nabers has blazing speed that fits today's NFL well, the Bears already have DJ Moore. Adding one of the last few years' most dominant deep-ball threats to a unit with Williams and Moore is more conducive to a healthy offensive system.

Rome Odunze was as automatic on jump-ball situations as anyone could be over the past two years. Part of that was playing with Michael Penix Jr., but Odunze's 6-foot-3 frame is augmented by a 39-inch vertical and 4.47-second 40-yard speed. He profiles as a true No. 1 playmaker, and pairing him with Williams ensures both rookies start well.

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 312 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Even if the New York Jets have everything go right this offseason, including Aaron Rodgers being fully healthy and the team adding a star tackle such as David Bakhtiari, another impact blocker is needed. 2021 first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker is better served at guard, and taking a top-end tackle makes sense. The board plays out well for the Jets here.

Olu Fashanu is a fantastic prospect who will profile as a left tackle for most teams. But teams should just play their best five blockers, so Fashanu might have to move to the right side if he goes to New York. The athletic Fashanu needs to improve his balance and engagement with defenders, but his ceiling is sky high.

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 214 pounds

Class: 5th-Year Senior

Fit: This part of the first round is prime real estate for a veteran quarterback to bridge the gap or to see a trade-up. If Kirk Cousins relocates from Minnesota to Atlanta, for example, the Minnesota Vikings will need to pivot to Russell Wilson or Baker Mayfield or look to draft someone. If those are the options, Minnesota should simply take Bo Nix.

Many remember Nix from Auburn, where he had some flashy moments intertwined with frustrating, elongated periods of play. His transfer to Oregon brought a new mindset, an improved surrounding cast and a more defined role. Nix was fantastic in a more controlled environment.

Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison lead the team's playmaking corps, and coach Kevin O'Connell is a creative play designer. Nix can enter this situation and be set up for success. His strong arm, plus-mobility and improved balance as both a playmaker and game manager make him a great candidate to be a borderline Pro Bowl talent throughout his career. 

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

Fit: Could we really see Malik Nabers fall this far? It shouldn't be surprising because guys such as Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson made their way into the teens. Wide receivers are valuable, but teams needing offensive line help or quarterbacks will push playmakers down. Either Nabers or Odunze could find themselves available later than expected.

Courtland Sutton seemed to establish himself more in 2023, but Jerry Jeudy is on the way out, and another big-play threat is needed. Nabers' explosiveness after the catch makes him must-watch TV. His slighter frame is a concern, but we've seen others around his size do just fine.

The Denver Broncos don't have a second-round pick, so they might need to add someone such as Jacoby Brissett in free agency and draft Spencer Rattler later. Or trading down and nabbing Penix Jr. could make sense. If Nabers is still on the board, the Broncos will have a tough choice and a deep array of trade partners.

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

Fit: The Las Vegas Raiders should be in the mix for Fields and Wilson as they search for their franchise quarterback. It's too early to take Penix, who is older (24), has a long list of injuries and is worse than his peers against pressure because he lacks mobility. After years of Las Vegas not being more aggressive in their quarterback search, they're a great potential trade-up candidate.

Finding a deal might be difficult because teams in the top 10 don't want to pass on an elite talent in a move down. If the Raiders enter the draft with a stopgap or with Fields at quarterback, taking the best player on the board at a position of need makes sense.

That's Jer’Zhan Newton.

The explosive 3-technique player can slide right next to Maxx Crosby and Tyree Wilson to form the core of an improving defense. Newton's first step puts immediate pressure on guards and centers and would force opponents to devote less attention to Crosby. Newton is good enough to help all three layers of the defense because of the attention he demands.

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 247 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: This pass-rusher class lacks a bonafide star, but several high-end No. 2 types can contribute in Year 1. Dallas Turner is the best prototype of the group, boasting 4.46-second speed and a 40.5-inch vertical to go with his size. His explosiveness is otherworldly, but he has to figure out how to maximize his burst consistently. 

The New Orleans Saints have struggled to find a proper heir to Cameron Jordan over the years because they've misevaluated the position. Landing Turner at No. 14 can end those woes because he's a bonafide star as a run defender and has everything needed to grow into a menacing pass rusher. 

In Round 2, New Orleans lands its quarterback of the future.

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 243 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Indianapolis Colts already franchise-tagged WR Michael Pittman Jr., filling a continuing need for more playmaking. Anthony Richardson will return to the fray next season, so the Colts can't stop investing around their dynamic second-year quarterback. Adding Brock Bowers is a perfect fit for the offense.

Bowers will provide Richardson with another big-bodied threat, but he's more than just someone with a large catch radius. His movement ability for his size is unbelievable, and he'll immediately be one of the premier pass-catchers at tight end. Indianapolis might be tempted to go with a true speedster such as Xavier Worthy instead, but Bowers' talent discrepancy is too large to ignore. 

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 254 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Jared Verse didn't quite have the dominant year many had hoped for after he burst onto the scene in 2022. He replicated his sack total (nine), but half of those came over the last two weeks of the season. He was invisible for long stretches of the year because offenses threw chips and double teams his way.

That might have created some concerns about Verse's NFL upside, but he has a pro-ready body and showed out at the combine with a great performance. The Seattle Seahawks like big guys who are explosive, and Verse has the best mixture of size and play style as a 4-3 end. His 4.6-second 40-yard dash, 10-foot-7 broad jump and 35-inch vertical were all elite marks.

The pass-rusher free agency market looks rough, and the draft class lacks depth, so Seattle can grab one of the few standouts.

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 189 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Calvin Ridley's impending free agency has muddied how to project what the Jacksonville Jaguars will do with this pick. If Ridley is re-signed, the Jaguars will likely key in on a cornerback to address their massive need. However, should the 29-year-old depart for more money or a better opportunity, it'd be hard for Jacksonville to pass on one of the many talented options at No. 17.

Assuming Ridley is back (the Jaguars will owe Atlanta a pick either way), taking the top cornerback on the board is the best choice. Both Alabama corners are available, so this comes down to preference. Terrion Arnold broke out in 2023 thanks to his versatility to play inside or outside and in zone or man. 

Arnold gets the nod over teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry due to Arnold's knack for finding the ball and his flexibility on the field. 

Height: 6-foot-8

Weight: 340 pounds

Class: Junior

Fit: On one hand, Amarius Mims is one of the most physically impressive athletes in this class. He's just shy of 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds and ran an excellent 5.07-second 40-yard dash to go with a 9-foot-3 broad jump. He's a lockdown blocker who makes everything look quite easy.

However, Mims has played only 803 career snaps due to injuries and being behind other quality blockers. He hurt his hamstring during the combine, so the question regarding whether he can stay on the field is as looming as his gigantic frame.

The payoff could be worth the gamble.

Jonah Williams' future is uncertain, and Mims can step in on Day 1 on either side and boost the Cincinnati Bengals' blocking. They have to make sure his body can handle the demand, though.

Height: 6-foot

Weight: 199

Class: Junior

Fit: At face value, the Los Angeles Rams' 19th-ranked scoring defense in 2023 is far from the most impressive mark in the league. Former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris got significantly more out of an unheralded cast of youngsters and journeymen than anyone expected. Morris is now the Falcons' coach for good reason.

More talent is desperately needed across the unit, though.

Adding a sticky man cover corner in Kool-Aid McKinstry will help fill the void that Jalen Ramsey left when he was traded last offseason. McKinstry is a good, not elite, athlete, but his instincts and positioning make up for those small deficiencies. 

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 173 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Nate Wiggins will become the lightest cornerback in the NFL at only 173 pounds. That's a red flag, but he's also so talented that it might not matter. This should sound familiar because many were concerned that 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes Jr. would weigh only 165 pounds. 

Forbes wound up at 181 pounds, and it wouldn't be shocking if Wiggins added good weight as his body matures. Wiggins ran a blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine, confirming the many plays on film that showed he had no problems running with elite pass catchers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who have a young stud at cornerback in Joey Porter Jr., could desperately use a speedy presence who can go up against modern NFL receivers. 

If teams have concerns about Wiggins, they should look at how he held his own against Florida State's Keon Coleman. Despite being outweighed by 40 pounds, Wiggins was all over Coleman. 

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 297 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Free agency often clarifies uncertain team needs; the Miami Dolphins are a good example. With several big contracts already on the books, Miami is set to lose DT Christian Wilkins in the same offseason as cornerback Xavien Howard. Despite the team'soffensive line needs, filling Wilkins' role is the top priority.

The good news is this is a terrific defensive tackle class.

Byron Murphy II is arguably the top talent at the position, breaking out in 2023 thanks to his blend of power and quickness. Getting him blocked 1-on-1 immediately puts unique pressure on the offense because Murphy can string together multiple moves if he can't simply run through or around his man.

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 334 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Jason Kelce's retirement could break the back of a team that suffered a disastrous ending to the 2023 season. The Philadelphia Eagles have his replacement on the roster in Cam Jurgens, but the franchise may keep Jurgens at guard and add a rookie center. The top middleman of this class is Jackson Powers-Johnson.

Powers-Johnson moves impossibly well for a 330-pound player and destroys defenders in his way. His ability to landmark and pancake defenders is unprecedented for a center. The Eagles need a boost for an offense that took a major step back in 2023, and Powers-Johnson might inject the needed talent and mindset they lack. 

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

Fit: The Houston Texans' bold trade-up for Will Anderson Jr. paid off with a promising rookie campaign in 2023, and it's time to add a worthy complementary piece. Laiatu Latu has a deep set of pass-rush moves and is as versatile as any defensive lineman in the draft. Coach DeMeco Ryans should love his ability to play right away and offer quality reps and finishing ability.

Latu falls despite gaudy pressure numbers because he's not an overly explosive athlete through contact and relies more on moves and quickness than power and burst. He's also not a contributor on run downs, often subbing out when UCLA expected offenses to take to the ground.

As long as his medicals are clear, though, Latu profiles as an impact No. 2 rusher. 

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 342 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The partnership between the Dallas Cowboys and stalwart OT Tyron Smith is murky at best, so it makes sense they would replace him in the draft. Dallas has to explore alternative options after Smith has had four injury-riddled seasons and a huge salary.

JC Latham can be a worthy replacement.

Latham is a hulking figure who moves surprisingly well for his size. He relies on power to engulf his foes, and his strength can make up for even severe technical mistakes. Putting him in Dallas is a good way to ensure he reaches his ceiling.

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

Fit: Armed with three picks by the end of Round 2, the Green Bay Packers can afford to be aggressive in filling needs and taking the best player on the board. There are tempting offensive linemen available here, but it's hard to overlook the lack of secondary talent on the roster beyond Jaire Alexander. Regardless of where he plays, Cooper DeJean can be an answer for this defense.

DeJean is a defensive weapon who has the flexibility to line up outside, in the slot or as a safety. He's an excellent athlete who is comfortable in every role, and his production as a return man speaks to his high football IQ and overall talent.

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

Fit: It'd be surprising if Baker Mayfield doesn't return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he enjoyed a career-saving season alongside Mike Evans. For Tampa Bay to continue building on its 2023 season, the running game has to improve. The easiest way to do that is to upgrade the offensive line.

Troy Fautanu was one of the most consistent blockers in the nation last year, and he could play guard if needed. With Tristan Wirfs at left tackle and 2022 second-round pick Luke Goedeke at right tackle, Fautanu would be a natural fit at left guard. The Buccaneers need their young line to take a step forward in 2024, but addressing the guard problem will help immensely. 

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 313 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: Adding Harrison early allows Arizona to get down to business with its following bevy of picks. The Cardinals need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Grabbing someone who can play tackle, guard or center helps guarantee Murray will be better protected regardless of where the newcomer lines up in 2024.

Graham Barton is a plus run blocker and reliable pass blocker, thanks to his great quickness and strong first punch. He's technically solid and athletic enough to play anywhere he's needed. 

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

Fit: Some may focus on Keon Coleman's 4.6-second 40-yard dash, but he plays much faster than the stopwatch at the combine said. Coleman's frame is as intimidating on jump balls as anyone in the class — he takes the "my ball" mantra to the next level.

Giving Josh Allen an aggressive, strong and explosive downfield option to take Gabe Davis' spot makes sense. Coleman could threaten to score 15 touchdowns in any given season for the Buffalo Bills due to Allen's downfield throwing ability and desire to create chunk plays.

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 296 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: Able to play as an edge rusher or kick inside to an undersized 3-technique tackle, Darius Robinson is a prototypical Detroit Lions player. He has a high motor, developed throughout his career into a well-rounded option and has a tremendous physical profile. He plays with the toughness needed to succeed early, and his versatility will fit right into a defensive front needing a capable body.

Detroit also needs cornerback help, but Robinson's showing in 2023, at the Senior Bowl and the combine, make him a first-round value. There's no reason to reach on a lesser talent if Robinson is available.

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

Fit: The Baltimore Ravens' defense performed well last season, but the unit lacks an overwhelming amount of individual talent. Upgrading the pass rush will be key, and another cornerback should be considered by the end of Day 2. Even though 2021 first-round pick Odafe Oweh hasn't been a star, the Ravens should consider going back to Penn State for their 2024 top pick.

Chop Robinson is the latest physical freak to come out of Happy Valley, showing off 4.48-second speed and a 10-foot-8 broad jump at 254 pounds. As with Oweh, Robinson needs to finish sacks more often as opposed to creating pressures at a high level.

But Baltimore has to find an impact front-seven defender, and Robinson is a good bet.

Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 322 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: How the San Francisco 49ers handle their wide receiver situation this offseason will be fascinating. Brandon Aiyuk needs an extension sooner than later, but Deebo Samuel's salary is about to balloon. The 49ers could move one and replace him with this pick.

It's easier to envision San Francisco figuring out how to kick the can down the road a bit and address its glaring hole at right tackle. Thankfully for them, Tyler Guyton can slide right in on Day 1 and be an upgrade on Colton McKivitz. Guyton is already a top-tier athlete and pass-blocker. 

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The reigning champs could get even scarier this offseason. The Kansas City Chiefs only have one notable receiver on the roster, Rashee Rice, so they have to throw more resources into the position. Even if they snag a solid veteran, taking a playmaker here makes too much sense.

Adonai Mitchell should be ranked closer to WR3 than not. The biggest knock on his resume is he never played in a high-volume role, catching only 93 passes over three seasons at Georgia and Texas. Still, the 6-foot-3 playmaker is the best route runner of any taller receiver in the class, and his explosiveness translates well to all three layers of the field.

Mitchell's ability to start, stop and start again made him unguardable on vertical routes and slant throws. It's uncommon to see someone's footwork be so clean at his height. If he falls this far, he could prove to be the steal of the draft.