You have learn the newest mock drafts from our ESPN gurus, and now it is time for our NFL Nation reporters to share their experience as we shut in on the opening decide of the 2024 NFL draft Thursday (8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) in Detroit.
NFL Nation reporters performed common supervisor for the groups they cowl and executed a first-round mock on Tuesday evening. By the top, there have been 4 quarterbacks taken within the first 5 picks after the Minnesota Vikings shook issues as much as go get their man with the fifth decide.
No shock at No. 1, because the Chicago Bears took Caleb Williams, however issues obtained fascinating after that. You possibly can watch the complete mock draft right here.
So with out additional ado, listed below are the picks:
ROUND 1
Courtney Cronin’s decide: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Drafting Williams with the No. 1 total decide has felt like a foregone conclusion since Chicago traded quarterback Justin Fields to Pittsburgh final month. The Bears are the one NFL franchise to by no means have a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards or 30 touchdowns in a season and can depend on Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, to place an finish to their decades-long QB futility. Williams joins a roster flush with Professional Bowl expertise.
John Keim’s decide: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Daniels creates chaos for defenses and never simply together with his legs. On the NFL’s annual conferences final month, Commanders coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels’ capacity to course of rapidly within the pocket. Quinn additionally mentioned he needed somebody who might join on deep balls, and Daniels led all NCAA passers with 22 touchdowns and a 66.7% completion fee on throws of 20 air yards or extra. Do not be shocked if J.J. McCarthy is within the combine, in addition to Drake Maye, however Daniels’ capacity to create would be the distinction.
Mike Reiss’ decide: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
On this mock, Minnesota supplied No. 11, No. 23 and a 2025 first-round decide for the third decide — a deal that was turned down after consulting with Patriots sources on what it might have taken to maneuver as much as this decide. One factor is understood: The Patriots are focusing on a quarterback. One factor stays a wild card: Which quarterback they imagine fits them greatest. The hunch is Maye’s mixture of bodily traits and intangibles wins out ultimately.
Josh Weinfuss’ decide: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
It is exhausting to move on arguably the perfect participant within the draft, and that is Harrison. It simply so occurs the Cardinals want a WR1. He’ll be a foundational participant for Arizona and can give quarterback Kyler Murray the form of offensive playmaker who might ultimately take the Cardinals to the playoffs.
Commerce: Vikings leap up
With the Chargers on the clock, Vikings reporter Kevin Seifert made the decision to Chargers reporter Kris Rhim with a deal he could not refuse.
Kevin Seifert’s decide: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
This commerce was the cleanest means to make sure the Vikings obtained a first-round quarterback and true successor to Kirk Cousins. They used substantial draft capital however preserved their 2025 first-round decide. Affords for No. 3 and No. 4, which included three first-round picks, had been turned down. Absent this deal, McCarthy might have gone as early as No. 6 to the Giants, which might have left the Vikings competing for the fifth quarterback of the draft at their authentic No. 11 spot. When it comes to teaching and personnel, McCarthy lands in the perfect spot of all of the first-round passers.
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Vikings commerce as much as No. 5 for J.J. McCarthy in NFL Nation mock draft
Kevin Seifert breaks down why the Vikings would try to commerce as much as the No. 5 decide for Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy.
Jordan Raanan’s decide: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Do not suppose for a second quarterback wasn’t in critical consideration. The Vikings beat the Giants to the punch on McCarthy. Nevertheless it’s not a comfort prize to get a large receiver with the explosiveness and run-after-the-catch capacity that Nabers possesses. Suppose Deebo Samuel or DJ Moore in coach Brian Daboll’s offense. Simply how badly did the Giants want a No. 1 WR? They have not had a receiver high 1,000 yards since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2018.
Turron Davenport’s decide: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Regardless of being enthusiastic about probably buying and selling again, the Titans determined to deal with a significant want by getting the highest left deal with on this 12 months’s draft class and having him be taught underneath offensive line guru Invoice Callahan. Tennessee desperately wanted assist after final season’s left deal with duo yielded 29 of the 64 whole sacks allowed. Pairing Alt with left guard Peter Skoronski offers the Titans safety on quarterback Will Levis’ blind facet for years to return.
Mike Rothstein’s decide: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
This is able to be a situation the place the Falcons would contemplate buying and selling down with the intention to construct extra draft capital, contemplating they might nonetheless land a high-level defensive participant down the board. Latu affords Atlanta a particularly proficient participant at a premier place, which additionally occurs to be the Falcons’ largest want.
Cronin’s decide: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Bears common supervisor Ryan Poles continues so as to add to the offense with Odunze, a receiver who may need been the primary off the board in drafts that did not function a lot expertise at wideout. Including the big-bodied receiver to a place group that already boasts DJ Moore and Keenan Allen offers the Bears an unquestioned top-five trio for Williams’ rookie season.
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Rome Odunze’s NFL draft resume
Take a look at among the numbers that make Washington’s Rome Odunze a top-10 NFL prospect.
Wealthy Cimini’s decide: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Jets might actually use one other offensive deal with as a result of starters Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, each 33, are thought of one-year Band-Aids, however they cannot resist the temptation of one other playmaker for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Bowers is “a Swiss Military knife,” in response to GM Joe Douglas. They imagine Bowers can do what rookie TE Sam LaPorta (86 catches, 889 yards, 10 TDs) did for the Lions final season.
Kris Rhim’s decide: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
On a crew laden with roster holes, turning the Chargers’ No. 5 decide into two first-rounders and two further picks seemed to be one of the best ways to rapidly flip this crew round. Coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman are keen to spice up the run recreation, and Latham, who began 25 video games at proper deal with in faculty, doubtlessly offers the Chargers a second high-end offensive deal with alongside LT Rashawn Slater.
Jeff Legwold’s decide: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Basic supervisor George Paton mentioned final week the Broncos “must hit” on this decide with an impression participant. Regardless of their obvious want at quarterback, the fifth QB on the board on this spot may not convey that impression. If they do not commerce down on this situation, the perfect participant out there is both Turner or Florida State defensive finish Jared Verse. Turner, who must be an instantaneous contributor, will get the nod.
Paul Gutierrez’s decide: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Unable to commerce up for Daniels, the Raiders handle the following most obvious want, getting a proper deal with with nimble footwork and a nasty disposition. Fuaga allowed one sack the previous two seasons at proper deal with, and the 6-foot-6 324-pounder is a formidable bookend to left deal with Kolton Miller, who’s 6-8, 325 kilos.
Katherine Terrell’s decide: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Left deal with Trevor Penning, the nineteenth decide of the 2022 draft, hasn’t panned out as a starter but. Longtime deal with/guard Andrus Peat left in free company, and beginning proper deal with Ryan Ramczyk is battling knee points. That makes offensive deal with a high precedence, and Fashanu checks all of the bins as a crew captain who didn’t permit a sack in 12 begins for Penn State final 12 months.
Stephen Holder’s decide: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The Colts are coming into the draft anticipating an early rush of offensive picks, which units them as much as take the highest defensive again. Mitchell offers the Colts the proper mixture of bodily traits (his lengthy physique) and pace (4.33 seconds within the 40-yard sprint) they search in cornerbacks. After ending final season twenty first in explosive passing performs allowed, Indy’s secondary will get extra depth.
Brady Henderson’s decide: Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington
Seahawks common supervisor John Schneider hasn’t taken a guard increased than Spherical 3 in 14 drafts with Seattle, however now could be the time to finish that pattern. There is a cause the Seahawks and Fautanu had been a preferred pairing in mock drafts. It is the proper marriage of want (proper guard is Seattle’s largest gap), expertise and familiarity (Seattle’s new OC and O-line coach got here from UW). Schneider commonly trades again in Spherical 1, however Fautanu is nice sufficient to justify staying put.
Michael DiRocco’s decide: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Cornerback is the Jaguars’ high want. Arnold is a bodily participant with good ball abilities (six interceptions, 20 move breakups prior to now two seasons) who must be a superb match for defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s system. Arnold might begin out because the nickelback with Tyson Campbell, whose rookie contract expires following the upcoming season, and free agent signee Ronald Darby on the skin.
Ben Child’s decide: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Murphy will get the nod over another good choices right here, resembling Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton or Georgia’s Amarius Mims. Murphy offers Cincinnati an explosive inside pass-rusher and presents a worth possibility in future years for a place that’s getting more and more costly. With the addition of Sheldon Rankins this offseason, Cincinnati would have the ability to use Murphy in its rotation in ’24 and develop him right into a starter in future years.
Sarah Barshop’s decide: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
With the retirement of Aaron Donald, it is no secret the Rams want to deal with their defensive entrance. On the annual conferences in March, common supervisor Les Snead mentioned it “would positively be a precedence.” The decide was going to be Murphy out of Texas, however he went to Cincinnati. So as an alternative, Los Angeles takes Verse, whom Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. calls “some of the proficient edge defenders within the 2024 class.”
Brooke Pryor’s decide: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
After slicing beginning middle Mason Cole and never signing a transparent substitute within the early waves of free company, the Steelers enter the draft with a significant want at middle — a vital place not solely to pair with quarterback Russell Wilson but additionally to ascertain a speeding attack-based identification. Powers-Johnson is arguably the perfect middle within the class, and he was among the many a number of facilities whom the Steelers hosted for a go to.
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Steelers choose Jackson Powers-Johnson at No. 20 in NFL Nation mock draft
Brooke Pryor explains why Oregon Geese middle Jackson Powers-Johnson could be an amazing addition to the Steelers offensive line.
Marcel Louis-Jacques’ decide: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Positive, the Dolphins signed seven defensive tackles this offseason after dropping Christian Wilkins in free company, however all of them will not make the roster. Newton offers Miami a working mate for Zach Sieler on the defensive position, and he can create inside stress and defend towards the run. Graham Barton was tempting right here, however the Dolphins can nonetheless handle offensive guard within the second spherical.
Tim McManus’ decide: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Sort out may not appear to be a urgent want at first look — Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata have the beginning positions locked down — however a better look reveals why Guyton is a slot in Philly. Except for quarterback, the Eagles prioritize the trenches above all different positions. Depth alongside the offensive entrance took successful this offseason. And with Johnson turning 34 in Could, a succession plan must be applied at proper deal with.
Rhim’s decide: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
After the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers’ most obvious want is at broad receiver. At 6-3, 209 kilos, Thomas ran a 4.33 40-yard sprint and had 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns final season. He offers quarterback Justin Herbert a receiver with the potential to turn into one of many league’s greatest.
Todd Archer’s decide: Graham Barton, C, Duke
Ideally, maybe the Cowboys wish to take a left deal with with their first-round decide, however there are questions on these out there, and Dallas has a necessity at middle, having misplaced Tyler Biadasz in free company. Barton has place flexibility, however he initiatives as a middle within the NFL. This may imply a transfer to deal with for Professional Bowl guard Tyler Smith, nevertheless it’s potential that deal with will get addressed later within the draft.
Rob Demovsky’s decide: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Might have gone with deal with Amarius Mims right here because the Packers have moved on from David Bakhtiari and may need to ultimately transfer Zach Tom to middle, the place they suppose he may be dominant. However DeJean is so versatile he can play outdoors nook, inside at nickel or maybe even security. The Packers need to give new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley an inflow of expertise.
Jenna Laine’s decide: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
On this situation, the Bucs would contemplate buying and selling down, however they’ve a void to fill after dropping Shaquil Barrett in free company. Robinson is perhaps essentially the most boom-or-bust prospect on this first spherical. His get-off and explosiveness are terrific, however the manufacturing in faculty wasn’t there with 11.5 sacks in three seasons. I might additionally see Tampa Bay utilizing this spot on Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland, however he too has manufacturing questions.
Weinfuss’ decide: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Cardinals want a CB1, and Wiggins may be their future. He has the scale (6-2, 185 kilos) and may do all of it. He can press, play off protection and in zone, permitting defensive coordinator Nick Rallis to maintain Wiggins on the sphere each down.
Alaina Getzenberg’s decide: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
If that is how the board falls, buying and selling again (or up, together with to doubtlessly snag LSU’s Thomas) could be robust potentialities. Extensive receiver is the Payments’ largest — and most blatant — want, and transferring again into the second spherical would permit Buffalo to doubtlessly double-dip in a proficient class, particularly because the Payments do not need a third-round decide. Nonetheless, if the Payments went with Worthy, he would convey pace and the run-after-catch capacity they want.
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Xavier Worthy’s NFL draft reel
Take a look at some highlights from Texas broad receiver Xavier Worthy.
Eric Woodyard’s decide: Kool-Support McKinstry, CB, Alabama
One of many Lions’ largest priorities is to improve the protection — even after a robust free company interval. Not solely is Detroit addressing a move protection that allowed 7.8 yards per move try (second worst), however the Alabama pipeline continues to roll after the Lions chosen WR Jameson Williams in 2022, and RB Jahmyr Gibbs and DB Brian Department in 2023.
Jamison Hensley’s decide: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The Baltimore Ravens might contemplate buying and selling out of the primary spherical if a crew needs to maneuver as much as get a quarterback, however, if Mims is offered, Baltimore shall be ecstatic to make the decide. The Ravens fill their largest want with Mims, who did not permit a sack at Georgia. Mims will begin instantly at proper deal with. Including a big-bodied blocker for reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson could be a best-case situation for the Ravens.
Nick Wagoner’s decide: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
The run of offensive tackles leaves the Niners in a spot the place they might in all probability look to both transfer as much as get one or transfer again for somebody like Roger Rosengarten or Kingsley Suamataia within the second spherical. And whereas a receiver or cornerback cannot be dominated out, historical past says the Niners are all the time keen to bolster the defensive position if the match is correct.
Adam Teicher’s decide: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
I used to be ready to go together with a cornerback, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. of Missouri, however when the board fell this fashion, with Mitchell nonetheless out there, it was a straightforward change. It is no secret the Chiefs had been poor at broad receiver final season, and the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice after his authorized points makes the necessity even better. They weren’t going to pressure a large receiver, however they do not must by choosing Mitchell.
