NFL Analysis
12/4/23
13 min read
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions After Week 13
The 2023 college football regular season is finished, and after an exciting Week 13 of NFL football, we continue to inch closer to the 2024 NFL Draft.
This mock draft includes plenty of movement in the top 10 after some close games over the weekend. The college football playoff and the NFL playoffs are around the corner, which will bring the NFL Draft order and teams’ draft needs into focus.
Latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft
1. Chicago Bears 
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
There’s been no change here in recent weeks. Justin Fields is auditioning for the job in 2024, so there’s still time for him to change the minds of the Chicago Bears’ front office. But for now, the Bears can’t afford to pass up a better quarterback prospect in Caleb Williams.
2. New England Patriots
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The New England Patriots keep losing, and at this point, that’s a good thing for their future. Drake Maye is an immediate upgrade over Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. While the Patriots need a lot of changes on offense from a coaching and personnel perspective, Maye would be a step in the right direction.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
TE Trey McBride is one of the only consistent threats on offense for the Arizona Cardinals. Adding Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the best wide receiver prospects in recent memory, to the mix is a no-brainer.
4. Washington Commanders
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Washington Commanders could consider drafting QB3 here, but adding blue-chip offensive tackle prospect Olu Fashanu is the better decision. The jury is still out as to whether Sam Howell can be the guy, so solidifying his protection and giving him one more year to earn the job makes sense.
5. Chicago Bears
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
A few picks after drafting Williams as their quarterback of the future, picking Joe Alt to solidify left tackle would be a dream scenario for the Bears.
6. New York Jets
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The New York Jets will likely go one of two ways with their first-round pick: wide receiver or offensive line. With the top two tackles off the board, adding the most explosive receiver in this draft class, Malik Nabers, to pair with Garrett Wilson — whom the Jets rely solely on to carry their passing offense — is too appealing to turn down. Adding Nabers would make the Jets’ offense very difficult to defend with a healthy Aaron Rodgers back.
7. New York Giants
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
While New York Giants fans may be upset they have likely played themselves out of the Caleb Williams and Drake Maye sweepstakes, the consolation prize of Jayden Daniels is not a bad one. Daniels has had the most impressive season of any of the quarterbacks in this draft class and could help return the Giants to their winning ways.
8. Tennessee Titans
Nate Wiggins, CB Clemson
The Tennessee Titans desperately need help at cornerback, and the recently declared Nate Wiggins would be an ideal fit in their defense. Wiggins is coming off a dominant season for Clemson, and his skill set is much needed in Shane Bowen’s defense.
9. New Orleans Saints
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Derek Carr left Sunday’s game due to multiple injuries, but his 2023 play was regressing before that, so the New Orleans Saints will be in the market for a new quarterback. There is a potential out in Carr’s contract after the 2024 season, so the Saints could draft Michael Penix Jr. and allow him to sit behind Carr for a year or two or could trade Carr if they can find an interested team. Either way, the Saints would be wise to build toward the future.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
There are several ways the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can go with their first-round pick, but adding Brock Bowers' talent to the mix may be too good to pass up. Tampa Bay could be in the mix for a quarterback, but with no trades and the first four already off the board, going with the best player available seems like a good choice.
11. Las Vegas Raiders
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Las Vegas Raiders released veteran CB Marcus Peters this past week, and the position group needs repair. Kool-Aid McKinstry has not played his best football over the past few weeks and has been a bit banged up, but his traits will get him drafted in the first round. The real question is: where?
12. Los Angeles Chargers
Jer'Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois
It took until Week 13, but the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense finally played an impressive game, albeit against a horrible Patriots offense. Still, adding pieces to the defense is a must in 2024. Jer’Zhan Newton is the top interior defensive lineman in this class, and despite his lack of size, Newton creates chaos in backfields thanks to his quickness and explosiveness as a pass rusher. His skill set would free up Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack for more one-on-one opportunities.
13. Cincinnati Bengals
J. C. Latham, OT, Alabama
Protecting QB Joe Burrow once he returns from injury will be the Cincinnati Bengals' top priority in the 2024 NFL Draft. Whether it’s drafting a left or right tackle (they could use both), the Bengals need to take the best player available on the offensive line. J.C. Latham is one of the keys to the Alabama offense’s success and would be an instant upgrade at right tackle over Jonah Williams, who has struggled mightily.
14. Buffalo Bills
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Buffalo Bills' wide receivers (outside of Stefon Diggs) have underwhelmed in 2023. TE Dalton Kincaid has come on as the season has progressed, but adding a complement to Diggs from a loaded wide receiver class should be a must. Rome Odunze is a dynamic receiver who can win at all three levels as a route runner. His style of play would be an excellent complement to Diggs and Kincaid.
15. Denver Broncos
Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
The season started ugly, but the Denver Broncos' defense has figured some things out over the past month or so. Even with the improvement, adding to the pass rush is a must if the Broncos want to get back to their 2022 defensive form. Dallas Turner is a high-ceiling rusher who wins consistently with speed, power and first-step quickness.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
The Seattle Seahawks' defense proved again in Week 13 how much it struggles to stop the pass and the run, allowing the Dallas Cowboys to put up 41 points on them Thursday night. Jared Verse is the exact style of player Pete Carroll needs to add to his defense. Verse takes pride in his ability to rush the passer and play the run. He was one of the linchpins of undefeated Florida State’s defense.
17. Los Angeles Rams
Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
The Los Angeles Rams are on the fringe of making the playoffs, but their defense is a major concern going forward. Outside of Aaron Donald, the Rams are relying on Kobie Turner and Byron Young to generate pressure. Chop Robinson is raw, but he has some of the more impressive pass rush traits in this draft class with his quickness, length and burst off the ball.
18. Arizona Cardinals
*From Houston
Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
The Arizona Cardinals have played relatively well on defense despite lacking top-end talent at all three levels. Laiatu Latu is my top edge rusher and would instantly improve the pass rush and run defense in Arizona.
>>READ: Why Latu Could Be First Pass Rusher Drafted
19. Atlanta Falcons
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Moving on from QB Desmond Ridder after just two years seems a bit reactionary, but things have not been smooth for Ridder and coach Arthur Smith. We’ll see if Smith is retained in 2024, but for now, all signs point to the Atlanta Falcons looking to improve at quarterback. Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy can be the upgrade they are looking for if he has time to sit and develop.
20. Green Bay Packers
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Jordan Love has taken some significant strides over the past month for the Green Bay Packers. They avoid drafting wide receivers in the first round, so bolstering the offensive line and replacing LT David Bakhtiari is the best thing the Packers can do to build around their young quarterback.
21. Minnesota Vikings
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
The Minnesota Vikings could be in the market for a veteran quarterback or could possibly bring back Kirk Cousins. Even if they go that route, drafting their quarterback of the future is likely in their plans. Bo Nix will have his doubters due to his lack of high-end traits at the league’s most important position, but he also provides some of the value that does not show up in physical traits evaluations. Nix would work well in Kevin O’Connell’s system.
22. Indianapolis Colts
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Michael Pittman Jr. is slated to hit free agency at the end of the season, so adding to the wide receiver room is the top need for the Indianapolis Colts until/if he is re-signed. Even if Pittman Jr. is retained, adding another big body to the receiver room — Keon Coleman — for Anthony RIchardson to pair with Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs would give the Colts three high-level wideouts. Think about that trio with the run-game combination of Jonathan Taylor and Richardson.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten inconsistent results from rookie CB Joey Porter Jr. so far, but bolstering their secondary’s thin depth would be wise. Cooper DeJean is one of the most versatile and athletic defenders in this draft class, and his toughness and play style fit Mike Tomlin and the Steelers to a T.
24. Houston Texans
*From Cleveland
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Nico Collins and Tank Dell have been good for the Houston Texans in 2023, but Dell suffered a gruesome leg injury Sunday. Adding more weapons for C.J. Stroud needs to be a priority. The hype surrounding LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. is starting to pick up steam as we inch closer to the draft, and his fit in Houston with Collins and Dell would be a great one.
25. Kansas City Chiefs
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
No surprise here: The Kansas City Chiefs must add offensive weapons to help take pressure off of Patrick Mahomes. Emeka Egbuka lines up primarily in the slot for the Ohio State offense and would fit in perfectly with Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, who play on the outside on the majority of their snaps.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
The addition of play-makers on the back end of the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense will be a consistent theme in these mock drafts. Tyler Nubin is the definition of a play-maker, and Jacksonville drafting him would add a blue-chip level of player to the back end of a defense that already has dudes on the defensive line and at linebacker.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The league’s top offenses are finding ways to beat the Dallas Cowboys' defense while Trevon Diggs is on the sideline due to a torn ACL. CB Stephon Gilmore is expected to leave in free agency, and DaRon Bland has struggled recently, so bolstering the cornerback room may be at the top of Dallas’ list of 2024 needs.
28. Detroit Lions
Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
The Detroit Lions gave everyone a scare this weekend when they struggled to close the game out against a bad Saints offense. Adding another versatile pass rusher to the Detroit defensive line would be an excellent idea to take pressure off of Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeil.
29. San Francisco 49ers
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Right tackle is one of the few weaknesses on the San Francisco 49ers’ roster. Taliese Fuaga is one of the best right tackles in this draft class and would be a home run of a selection for a team primed to keep its Super Bowl window open for the foreseeable future.
30. Baltimore Ravens
Kalen King, CB, Penn State
The Baltimore Ravens may have the best defense in the NFL, but their cornerback depth chart has some serious questions heading into 2024. Penn State CB Kalen King has fallen down some draft boards after an up-and-down 2023 season, but taking a chance on the high-ceiling corner at the back end of Round 1 would be great value and fill a big need.
31. Miami Dolphins
Graham Barton, OT, Duke
Terron Armstead’s career is winding down, so drafting their next left tackle would be wise for a Miami Dolphins team that does not have many holes on offense. Graham Barton offers some position flexibility, playing his entire career at Duke at left tackle, but he could project as a higher-ceiling interior lineman in the NFL.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
A deserving addition to my mock drafts is Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell. Mitchell is one of the most athletic cornerbacks in this class and would fill a big need for the Philadelphia Eagles, who are struggling to stop teams through the air, as the 49ers demonstrated in Week 13.
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