You’ve got 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 night time. By the tip, 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 acquired fascinating after that. You may watch the full mock draft here.
So with out additional ado, listed here 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 along with his legs. On the NFL’s annual conferences final month, Commanders coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels’ capacity to course of shortly within the pocket. Quinn additionally stated he needed somebody who may join on deep balls, and Daniels led all NCAA passers with 22 touchdowns and a 66.7% completion price 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 will 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 finest. The hunch is Maye’s mixture of bodily traits and intangibles wins out in the long run.
Josh Weinfuss’ decide: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
It is arduous to go on arguably the very best 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 sort of offensive playmaker who may finally 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 approach to make sure the Vikings acquired a first-round quarterback and true successor to Kirk Cousins. They used substantial draft capital however preserved their 2025 first-round decide. Gives for No. 3 and No. 4, which included three first-round picks, had been turned down. Absent this deal, McCarthy may 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 very best spot of all of the first-round passers.
1:47
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 and 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 severe 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. Assume 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 prime 1,000 yards since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2018.
Turron Davenport’s decide: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Regardless of being involved in probably buying and selling again, the Titans determined to deal with a serious want by getting the highest left sort out on this yr’s draft class and having him study below offensive line guru Invoice Callahan. Tennessee desperately wanted assist after final season’s left sort out 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 aspect for years to return.
Mike Rothstein’s decide: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
This could be a situation the place the Falcons would take into account buying and selling down in an effort to construct extra draft capital, contemplating they may nonetheless land a high-level defensive participant down the board. Latu provides Atlanta an especially gifted participant at a premier place, which additionally occurs to be the Falcons’ greatest 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 characteristic 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.
1:14
Rome Odunze’s NFL draft resume
Try a few of the numbers that make Washington’s Rome Odunze a top-10 NFL prospect.
Wealthy Cimini’s decide: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Jets may actually use one other offensive sort out 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 accordance with 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 extra picks seemed to be the easiest way to shortly 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 sort out in school, doubtlessly offers the Chargers a second high-end offensive sort out alongside LT Rashawn Slater.
Jeff Legwold’s decide: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Normal supervisor George Paton stated final week the Broncos “should hit” on this decide with an affect participant. Regardless of their evident want at quarterback, the fifth QB on the board on this spot won’t convey that affect. If they do not commerce down on this situation, the very best participant out there is both Turner or Florida State defensive finish Jared Verse. Turner, who ought to be a right away contributor, will get the nod.
Paul Gutierrez’s decide: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Unable to commerce up for Daniels, the Raiders tackle the following most evident want, getting a proper sort out with nimble footwork and a nasty disposition. Fuaga allowed one sack the previous two seasons at proper sort out, and the 6-foot-6 324-pounder is a formidable bookend to left sort out Kolton Miller, who’s 6-8, 325 kilos.
Katherine Terrell’s decide: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Left sort out Trevor Penning, the nineteenth decide of the 2022 draft, hasn’t panned out as a starter but. Longtime sort out/guard Andrus Peat left in free company, and beginning proper sort out Ryan Ramczyk is battling knee points. That makes offensive sort out a prime precedence, and Fashanu checks all of the containers as a crew captain who didn’t permit a sack in 12 begins for Penn State final yr.
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 right 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 larger than Spherical 3 in 14 drafts with Seattle, however now could be the time to finish that development. There is a motive the Seahawks and Fautanu had been a preferred pairing in mock drafts. It is the right marriage of want (proper guard is Seattle’s greatest gap), expertise and familiarity (Seattle’s new OC and O-line coach got here from UW). Schneider recurrently 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’ prime want. Arnold is a bodily participant with good ball abilities (six interceptions, 20 go breakups previously two seasons) who ought to be a superb match for defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s system. Arnold may begin out because the nickelback with Tyson Campbell, whose rookie contract expires following the upcoming season, and free agent signee Ronald Darby on the surface.
Ben Child’s decide: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Murphy will get the nod over another good choices right here, equivalent to Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton or Georgia’s Amarius Mims. Murphy offers Cincinnati an explosive inside pass-rusher and presents a worth choice in future years for a place that’s getting more and more costly. With the addition of Sheldon Rankins this offseason, Cincinnati would be capable 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 stated it “would positively be a precedence.” The decide was going to be Murphy out of Texas, however he went to Cincinnati. So as a substitute, Los Angeles takes Verse, whom Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. calls “probably the most gifted edge defenders within the 2024 class.”
Brooke Pryor’s decide: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
After reducing beginning heart Mason Cole and never signing a transparent substitute within the early waves of free company, the Steelers enter the draft with a serious want at heart — an important place not solely to pair with quarterback Russell Wilson but in addition to determine a speeding attack-based id. Powers-Johnson is arguably the very best heart within the class, and he was among the many a number of facilities whom the Steelers hosted for a go to.
1:00
Steelers choose Jackson Powers-Johnson at No. 20 in NFL Nation mock draft
Brooke Pryor explains why Oregon Geese heart Jackson Powers-Johnson could be an incredible 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 shedding Christian Wilkins in free company, however all of them will not make the roster. Newton offers Miami a operating mate for Zach Sieler on the line of defense, and he can create inside stress and defend in opposition to the run. Graham Barton was tempting right here, however the Dolphins can nonetheless tackle offensive guard within the second spherical.
Tim McManus’ decide: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Sort out won’t look like a urgent want at first look — Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata have the beginning positions locked down — however a more in-depth look reveals why Guyton is a slot in Philly. Apart from 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 Might, a succession plan must be carried out at proper sort out.
Rhim’s decide: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
After the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers’ most evident want is at huge 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 out to be one of many league’s finest.
Todd Archer’s decide: Graham Barton, C, Duke
Ideally, maybe the Cowboys want to take a left sort out with their first-round decide, however there are questions on these out there, and Dallas has a necessity at heart, having misplaced Tyler Biadasz in free company. Barton has place flexibility, however he initiatives as a middle within the NFL. This would possibly imply a transfer to sort out for Professional Bowl guard Tyler Smith, however it’s potential that sort out will get addressed later within the draft.
Rob Demovsky’s decide: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
May have gone with sort out Amarius Mims right here because the Packers have moved on from David Bakhtiari and would possibly need to finally transfer Zach Tom to heart, the place they suppose he will 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 take into account buying and selling down, however they’ve a void to fill after shedding Shaquil Barrett in free company. Robinson may be probably the most boom-or-bust prospect on this first spherical. His get-off and explosiveness are terrific, however the manufacturing in school wasn’t there with 11.5 sacks in three seasons. I may 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 will be their future. He has the dimensions (6-2, 185 kilos) and might do all of it. He can press, play off protection and in zone, permitting defensive coordinator Nick Rallis to maintain Wiggins on the sector 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. Vast receiver is the Payments’ greatest — and most blatant — want, and transferring again into the second spherical would permit Buffalo to doubtlessly double-dip in a gifted class, particularly because the Payments would not have a third-round decide. Nonetheless, if the Payments went with Worthy, he would convey pace and the run-after-catch capacity they want.
1:13
Xavier Worthy’s NFL draft reel
Try some highlights from Texas huge receiver Xavier Worthy.
Eric Woodyard’s decide: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
One of many Lions’ greatest priorities is to improve the protection — even after a powerful free company interval. Not solely is Detroit addressing a go protection that allowed 7.8 yards per go 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 Branch in 2023.
Jamison Hensley’s decide: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The Baltimore Ravens may take into account buying and selling out of the primary spherical if a crew needs to maneuver as much as get a quarterback, however, if Mims is accessible, Baltimore can be ecstatic to make the decide. The Ravens fill their greatest want with Mims, who did not permit a sack at Georgia. Mims will begin instantly at proper sort out. 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 most likely 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 at all times keen to bolster the line of defense if the match is correct.
Adam Teicher’s decide: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
I used to be ready to go along with a cornerback, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. of Missouri, however when the board fell this fashion, with Mitchell nonetheless out there, it was a straightforward swap. It is no secret the Chiefs had been poor at huge receiver final season, and the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice after his authorized points makes the necessity even higher. They weren’t going to power a large receiver, however they do not should by choosing Mitchell.