Final Mock!

Finally the 2024 NFL Draft has arrived and the Final Mock Edition for this year's draft class is here!

4-24-2024

See this mock featured on related NFL Draft Scout site..

As of Thursday, April 25, 8 p.m. ET, the NFL Draft will finally be underway.

After months of speculation it is time to go all-in on the final predictions on how the first round is going to play out. Before this deep dive, I must take a moment of personal reflection on the journey to writing this article. I spent many draft weekends in the living room with relatives watching the picks and seeing the faces of disappointment of Eli Manning selected by the Chargers, before being traded for Philip Rivers. I even witnessed the fall of Aaron Rodgers and told Uncle Ray, he is not being picked until Green Bay makes itsr selection. I also remember working as a line cook and having my kitchen manager, Scott, ask  me who the next pick was going to be, and even he was in disbelief that the Lions used three first round picks on consecutive years to take on wide receivers during the Matt Millen era. Eventually I had these discussions with a fantasy football league mate Phil and he mentioned to me that there are mock draft competitions, I should enter one. 

Through an “ask”,  I found myself competing in the King of the Hill Mock Draft Challenge hosted by Robby Esch through thehuddlereport.com. This challenge awards 2 points for the correct team and player combo, or 1 point for having a player selected in the first round regardless of the team that selects them. In 2020, I scored a 38, 2021 (43), 2022 (40), and last season a (39). This brings my 4 years average to a 40.5 and ranks me in the top 25 of all mock draft invitees ever scored in the challenge. This year could impact that rating as I finally get my 5 year average compared to the best of the best in the mock draft world. 

This is my story of being a small town kid, turned school counselor by day and mock drafter by night and it all started from a simple “ask”. This “ask” has led me to being able to write this article for Frank Cooney, and soon will lead me to viewing the draft live and in person in the city of Detroit an hour south of my home town of Brown City, MI as a member of the media! 

As we embark on the opening ceremonies of the 2024 NFL Draft, Commissioner Roger Goodell will start announcing the names of prospects that will be “asked” to be the new face of the franchise. They too share their personal stories and their personal journeys to becoming one of the 257 players selected into the 2024 draft class.

Let's get the first 32 out of the way here in my final predictions for 2024.

There is plenty of reading and critiquing to be had so please share your thoughts by following me on X (formally known as Twitter) @jeremy_bissett 

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Click for Chicago Bears 7-round mock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the Combine GM Ryan Poles said, “I want to do right by Justin Fields…” In a way he kept his word by trading Fields to the Steelers, but at what expense to the Bears organization? Poles is clearly rolling the dice that he is going to hit on his selection here. However, as we have seen in past drafts, these moves are most likely to crap out in the end. It's amazing the Bears had five picks and Justin Fields on their roster when free agency started and now they have only four picks left after a slew of trades to bring in Keenan Allen, Ryan Bates, and Dan Feeney. Because of this, it is still not completely out of the question they will be looking to trade this No. 1 selection for more draft picks.

As for Caleb Williams, he is considered by many the prize prospect of this draft, drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, though he likely will find it difficult to live up to those lofty expectations at the beginning of his career. He also brings with him a bit of a “diva” reputation after football-related incidents in 2023 had some questioning his discipline and leadership. With the acquisitions of D'andre Swift and Keenan Allen to pair with DJ Moore, “Da Bears” are already providing him with more weapons than they armed Fields with in the three seasons he was there.

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Click for Washington Commanders 7-round mock.  

The Washington Commanders have made short work at reconfiguring their current roster. They have been extremely active in the free agent market, and also paved the way of moving on from one Carolina Tar Heel in trading Sam Howell to the Seahawks, to selecting a new Tarheel in Drake Maye...ahhhhhh, as Lee Corso would say, "Not sooo fast my friends!"

This new development comes from a LSU head coach Brian Kelly interview where he ends it by saying, "He's gonna get the ball out to his playmakers and make plays...FOR WASHINGTON." Considering the success that new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has had with developing quarterbacks — Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, among others — Daniels will be welcomed to D.C. with open arms with this selection.

3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Click for New England Patriots 7-round mock 

Unless something comes through before the clock starts ticking on this pick. It looks like New England is content to stay in the No. 3 hole and select potentially the horse with the highest ceiling of all the quarterbacks in this draft.  

Drake Maye. Maye possesses the prototypical size and strength of an NFL quarterback. He may also get some time to develop behind a seasoned veteran in Jacoby Brissett. This route has paved the way for several successful NFL quarterbacks over the years and the most ideal fit for the organization and player.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Click for Arizona Cardinals 7-round mock 

The Arizona Cardinal’s are in desperate need at the wide receiver position and find an immediate star in the making by having Harrison Jr. fall into their laps. As with that of Caleb Williams, the presence of Harrison Jr.  in the NFL is eagerly awaited. The ex-Buckeyes standout has great size, speed, and the HOF pedigree of his father Marvin Harrison Sr. He is a big-bodied receiver who can move the chains, be a red-zone presence and make plays as a blocker. He is an automatic No. 1 receiver for Kyler Murray and will be looking to strike fear into opposing defensive backs as a starter from Day 1.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Click for Los Angeles Chargers 7-round mock.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the departures of both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, there is a glaring need for the Chargers to pick a playmaking dynamo at the WR spot. Hopefully, Jim Harbaugh and the new regime can be more creative in getting last year's first-round selection, Quentin Johnston, more actively involved in the game plan moving forward. If they do, the Chargers could bolt into one of the most explosive offenses in the league in a very short time.

Check out the 7-round mock to see just how many former Wolverines will join coach Harbaugh in L.A. after the draft weekend is over!

6. New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Click for New York Giants 7-round mock

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Click for Tennessee Titans 7-round mock

During Brian Callahan’s tenure as offensive coordinator in Cincinnati. He was able to witness how much an inadequate offensive line can impact the health and abilities of one of the elite quarterbacks in the league, Joe Burrow. He will want to learn from that experience and make this selection to solidify his offensive line to protect his second-year quarterback Will Levis. At 6-9, 321 pounds, Alt provides an immediate protector of Levis’ blind side. He also comes with an NFL pedigree as his father is in the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Honor after spending 13 years with their organization. As if that wasn’t enough he also has an older brother, Mark Alt, who is a professional hockey player!

8. Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA

Click for Atlanta Falcons 7-round mock. 

The Atlanta Falcons spent a lot of resources on the defensive side of the ball last offseason during free agency. However, lackluster play at the quarterback position hampered the defense game in and game out in 2023. Now that the Falcons landed veteran QB Kirk Cousins, the offense figures to improve significantly. The front office can again turn its attention back to defense with this selection.

Many draft experts are predicting that Dallas Turner is the selection here. However, with Raheem Morris spending time in Los Angeles as the defensive coordinator of the Rams. He’s had a chance to keep his eye on this young buck in his backyard.

Furthermore, the Falcon's new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, has ties to Latu during his time as his head coach for the Washington Huskies. He was also the one to make the initial announced that Latu had to medically retire from football due to his neck injuries sustained while playing for him.

We have a heart warming story brewing in the ATL when this reunion comes full circle. Sorry not sorry Coach Penn, in this addition of Draft Day, we do indeed run after school specials here!

9.  Arizona Cardinals (Projected trade w/ Chicago): Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

 Click for Arizona Cardinals 7 round mock.

The Chicago Bear may stay here at No. 9 if Caleb Williams' travel partner Rome Odunze stays on the board. However, with only 4 picks in this year's draft the Bears are much inclined to trade out of this position and collect more valuable picks along the way. 

In the world that often now seems defined and driven by social media memes, this is what a GM's reaction should be to a draft prospect's Combine workout. After taking their new No. 1 wide receiver with the No. 4 overall pick, the Cardinals would be more than willing to spend some of their draft capital to move up to get Turner.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (Projected trade with Jets): Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo 

Click for Philadelphia Eagles 7-round mock. 

The Eagles have seen two mainstays of their team retire this offseason in DT Fletcher Cox and center Jason Kelce. Both leave a legacy not only as great players but also as respected leaders of their respective units. While the Eagles could address either defensive or offensive lines with this selection, they instead address their secondary. Both Darius Slay and James Bradberry began to show their age last season, and the Eagles pass defense paid the price as a result. The Eagles need to find a youthful cornerback to help assist in the abysmal pass defense. Mitchell’s stock has blasted upwards  like a rocket and Philly would be much inclined to spend some of their draft capital to take the former Toledo standout. 

 

11.  Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Click for Minnesota Vikings 7-round mock.

In a stroke of good fortune the Vikings rolled the boat through some troubled waters by not being able to pull off a trade up scenario to take Drake Maye. They luckily still get JJ. McCarthy here with the No. 11 selection. O’connell will have some leeway to develop the former Michigan Wolverine as he does have the luxury of having a seasoned veteran Sam Darnold to lead the Vikes at the beginning stages of the 2024 season. The question is if Darnold struggles, how long with it be before SKOL starts the JJ-to-JJ chants in the Twin Cities.

 

12. Denver Broncos: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State

Click for Denver Broncos 7-round mock.

I believe the Broncos have finally conceded that a quarterback is not the only need for this team. They have elected to let Russell Wilson go and by doing so they are eating $85 million in dead cap space over the next two years. After missing out on the quarterback free agent market they have elected to trade for Zach Wilson. Let's also not forget that a quarterback is not going to prevent a team from scoring 70 points and gain 750 plus yards on them like the Miami Dolphins did in week three last season. 

I bet the Broncos see their first pick putting the "Verse" in "versatility—the ex-Florida State edge player can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up. He can begin to fix the edge position that has been voided by the ghosts of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. 

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Click for Las Vegas Raiders 7 round mock. 

Yes, new head coach Antonio Pierce has close ties to Jayden Daniels and it would make sense for them to at least try to make a move to get him in this draft. However, the thought of mortgaging the future of the franchise to create a package that any team in the top three picks to consider would be astronomical.

The Raiders have been making strides to continue strengthening the defense by signing DT Christian Wilkins. However, on the offensive side of the ball, QB Jimmy Garrapolo is gone, replaced by for Colt Gardner Minshew. They also saw RB Josh Jacobs land in Green Bay, and offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor sign with the New York Giants. These moves mean that, in this mock, there's a lot of room and reason for the Raiders to go defense with this pick. However, based on their need for a right tackle, Fuagu fits the bill.

Fuaga has established himself as one of the premier run-blockers in this draft class. With nearly 1,600 snaps in his collegiate career, he already possesses the veteran mentality needed to step in to be a Day-1 starter for the Raiders.

Click the link to their seven round mock draft to see who Fuaga will be protecting as a potential future star QB is selected late in the draft process.

14. New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Click for New Orleans Saints 7-round mock.

There seems to be some Voodoo affecting the most recent Saints defensive end selections from past drafts. Their productivity has dropped considerably in the last few seasons and showed up in a bad way last year. The team finished with the 4th worst sack total in the league. While high profile draft selections like Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey missed considerable amounts of time due to injuries. 

However, after watching Jared Verse go just before them to Denver. The Saints will need to address their offensive line woes that have been equivalently cursed by some Voodoo in recent years. Fashanu, can replace Penning at left tackle and have an immediate impact in stabilizing the offensive line for the Saints as a day one starter. 

15. Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Click for Indianapolis Colts 7-round mock. 

The Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a division filled with young gunslingers — C.J. Stroud (Houston), Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville), and Will Levis (Tennessee) — and they will be looking to counter that air power by bringing in a talented corner to play opposite their 2023 second-round pick, Julius Brents. That the aging Kenny Moore is set to enter free agency only intensifies the need to upgrade the cornerback spot. After watching the Eagles trade up and snag Quinyon Mitchell. The Colts will be elected to take the next best available cornerback in Arnold. 

16. Seattle Seahawks (Projected trade w/ Green Bay): Troy Fautanu, IOL, Washington

Click for Seattle Seahawks 7-round mock. 

In recent drafts, the Seahawks parlayed picks they received from Denver in the Russell Wilson deal into some promising young talent. They have two fine bookends on their offensive line in tackles Charles Cross — who was drafted with a first-round pick acquired in the Wilson trade to Denver — and Abraham Lucas, a third-round selection in 2022.

The selection of Fautanu will bring some scrappy, tenacious energy to the Seahawks' offensive line, especially if they move him inside to one of the guard positions. He is a great run blocker and shows nimble feet and powerful hand placement in pass protection. Because of his size and Pacific Northwest collegiate background, Fautanu might remind some of Detroit's Pro Bowl tackle Penei Sewell; Seattle would be overjoyed if he plays anywhere near Sewell's level.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Click for Jacksonville Jaguars 7-round mock.

The Jaguars find themselves sitting in the middle of the first round and have several options available with this pick. They could go Chop Robinson, but they just re-signed their All-Pro Defensive end Josh Allen to a long term extension. They could go Brian Thomas Jr. to replace the departed Calvin Ridley, but they already signed Gabe Davis to do that. Their pass secondary has been lackluster to say the least and that is the direction they may have to go with this selection. 

The lanky and long Wiggins showcased his recovery speed at the Combine, and established himself as one of the more physically talented corners in this draft class. However, NFL evaluators might find fault with his lack of toughness in run support, a trait that likely puts his stock down below the other cornerbacks selected before him.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Click for Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock. 

Armaris Mims' physical stature alone can intimidate. However, the real morale buster for defenders who engage him is his athleticism, strength and lateral movement, especially in pass protection. This is exactly what the Bengals need to preserve Burrows and ensure a well-balanced offensive attack.

19. Buffalo Bills (Projected trade w/ Los Angeles Rams): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Click for Buffalo Bills 7-round mock. 

With Gabe Davis signing a new contract to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Stephon Diggs being traded to the Texans. The Bills proceeded to counter those moves by signing Curtis Samuel, KJ Hamler, and Mack Hollins as potential replacements. But none of these veteran receivers possess the skill set that Adonai Mitchell brings to Josh Allen and this offense. 

Arguably the “Bills Mafia” may have just gotten the heist of the first round by having Thomas Jr. fall to them here with this selection. If Josh Allen influenced the selection of Dalton Kincaid last season, he will definitely be sending another text of approval to GM Brandon Beane to pull this move off. 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

Click for Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round mock.

21. Miami Dolphins: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

Click for Miami Dolphins 7-round mock.

As do the Rams, the Miami Dolphins find themselves this offseason having lost a stalwart interior defensive lineman, when Christian Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Newton established himself with a great career playing for the Fighting Illini. He was a two-time All-American selection and is coming off a 2023 season where he earned Big Ten defensive Player of the Year. He has the skillset to be a disruptive force both in stopping the run and rushing the quarterback.

22. New York Jets (Projected trade w/ Philadelphia Eagles): Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Click for New York Jets 7-round mock.

The accolades that Brock Bowers brings with him from his collegiate days sets a high bar to maintain. Leaving some to question if he will be able to translate his college success to the NFL? This is why the potential top 10 selection may fall down the draft board. In this scenario the Jets collect much needed draft capital and still get a significantly talented player they may very well take at No. 10 anyways if they don’t find a trade partner on draft day. 

23.  Minnesota Vikings:  Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State

Click for Minnesota Vikings 7-round mock

I believe SKOL nation will be more than ecstatic to see this draft scenario unfold. Not only do they get their quarterback replacement for Cousins, they also get their defensive end replacement for Danielle Hunter. I believe this is why a draft day trade does not get made to move up for Drake Maye. The Vikings see the value that is to be had in the later parts of this first round and they will not elect to mortgage the future for one guy, when they clearly can land two with the selections  they already have in this first-round. 

24. Dallas Cowboys: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Click for Dallas Cowboys 7-round mock.

This team watched Tyron Smith leave “Big D” and find a new home in the “Big Apple” by signing with the J.E.T.S. Jets, Jets, Jets. With the selection of Latham, they not only will fortify the protection for Dak Prescott, but also bring some power to their run game that will be led by…Click the link and see if they find a replacement for the departed Tony Pollard. 

25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Click for Green Bay Packer 7-round mock. 

After flirting with the idea of the Packers using some of their draft capital to trade up in this first-round. I believe it is best they stay put where they are and find additional value with the abundance of picks they have in this draft. Starting here with the selection of Dejean. 

Dejean’s recent draft workouts indicate he still possesses the versatility and dynamic athleticism that made him a potential first-round draftee prior to sustaining an injury that ended his collegiate career at Iowa. He is strongly considered to be the best run defender from the cornerback position in this draft and also brings speed and big play capabilities to special teams as well.  

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, IOL, Duke

Click for Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-round mock.

After seeing the cornerbacks being taken in front of them in this scenario the Buccaneers will address their interior offensive line with this selection. Barton is a versatile player who would fit well in most offenses. Although he did spend the past three years at left tackle, Barton, because he has shorter arms, is projected to move to guard in the NFL. What he lacks in length, Barton makes up for in technique and tenacity as a run blocker. In pass protection, he stands his ground, displaying quick feet when engaging a defender, and his agility to get out in space in the screen game leaves opposing defensive backs in a no-win situation. He is the immediate solution to the glaring hole that the Jets have at their RG position as they continue to revamp their offensive line this offseason. 

27. Chicago Bears: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Click for Chicago Bears 7-round mock

After drafting their quarterback of the future the Bears will elect to add another bookend to their offensive line to join last year's first-round selection, Darnell Wright. 

After transferring from TCU, Guyton emerged in 2022–23 as a stellar pass blocker. In those two seasons, playing right tackle, he logged almost a thousand snaps but allowed just one sack and 11 quarterback hurries

28. Los Angeles Rams (Projected trade w/ Buffalo): Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Click for Los Angeles Rams 7-round mock. 

After years of ridding themselves of draft picks in order to bring in veteran players, the Rams need to take the opposite approach this offseason. They could go in a number of directions with this pick, but the retirement of eventual HOF defensive tackle Aaron Donald may force their hand.

Based on his stats in college — six sacks and a remarkable 34 QB pressures — Murphy could very well be a commendable replacement for Donald and bolster the Rams' pass defense.

29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Click for Detroit Lions 7-round mock. 

The Detroit Lions saw an immediate impact from their 2023 rookie class, the production of which played such a pivotal role in getting this team to the NFL Championship Game. If there's one thing we learned from Detroit's draft strategy is that the Lions do not necessarily take the best player available but rather the best available player at a position of need. Will that position be the interior offensive line or cornerback?

Lions fans have been teased by both Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell in recent weeks that a trade of this pick may be imminent if a player they like is not available with this selection. However, I have to believe Kool-Aid is one of these players they will be targeting with this selection.

If they do indeed go the trade route. Holmes is able to work his magic to get a second-round pick this year from the Las Vegas Raiders (No. 44) and maybe swing for the fence and get their 2025 first-round selection as well, so they can make the selection of Michael Penix. You can bet your ass the Lions faithful in the draft crowd will cheer their Lionhearts out throughout the night and into day two gleefully! 

Make sure to click the link to view the diamond in the rough Brad Holmes finds in the sixth round.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Morgan, OG, Arizona

Click for Baltimore Ravens 7-round mock. 

Every draft there is always a selection that makes you go, hmmmm…didn’t see that one coming. I believe this is the selection that does it. Morgan, can bring immediate relief to the Ravens left side of their line and play either left tackle or left guard if they choose to make this selection. 

31. San Francisco 49ers: Darius Robinson, DE/DT, Missouri

Click for San Francisco 49ers 7-round mock.  

Continuing his quest west, Robinson has come a long way from his roots in Canton, MI. His workouts at the Combine proved he is a viable option to be a first-round selection. His versatility to play on the outside or inside might be what the 49ers need considering — Javon Kinlaw (Jets) , Chase Young (Saints), Randy Gregory (Buccaneers) and Clelin Ferrell (Commanders) — have been lost this offseason from all along the defensive front.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas 

Click for Kansas City Chiefs 7-round mock.

The Chiefs have had several changes to both sides of the ball that they need to address in this year's draft. Although they have retained their All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones by signing him to a massive five-year $158.75 million contract extension. This move likely paved the way to moving on from L’Jarius Sneed, who was dealt to the Tennessee Titans soon afterwards. That decision alone makes cornerback a possible pick here.

However, off-field troubles now facing second-year receiver Rashee Rice could shift the focus of this selection. With the Buffalo Bills making the move to take Brian Thomas Jr., it allows Adonai Mitchell to fall to the Chiefs in this scenario. If there is one thing about Mitchell, he wants the damn ball in his hands often! That's exactly what Patrick Mahomes will want to have in a wide receiver as most of his passes last season went through the hands of his receivers more times than he is used to his career. 

Teams without first-round picks: Click the link for their 7 round mock draft! 

Carolina Panthers: Click for Carolina Panthers 7-round mock. 

Cleveland Browns: Click for Cleveland Browns 7-round mock. 

Houston Texans: Click for Houston Texans 7-round mock