NFL Analysis
12/11/23
13 min read
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions After Week 14
In this week's mock draft, we have very little movement in the top five.
With the New England Patriots winning on Thursday Night Football, they made things a little more interesting in the race for QB2. For now, the Patriots will stick at second overall, and they should do their best to not win too many meaningless games to close out their season.
Even though there was little movement in the top five, there were some major slides in the middle of the draft, which made things interesting for teams picking in the 8-18 range.
Latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft
1. Chicago Bears
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 215 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: No change here at No. 1, despite Justin Fields playing one of the best games of his Chicago Bears career. Caleb Williams (or Drake Maye) is the best option for the Bears with the first overall pick. Chicago should be able to regain some value in a Fields trade with so many teams quarterback-needy going into 2024.
2. New England Patriots
Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 230 lbs
Class: Sophomore
Fit: Whether it’s Maye or Williams, you’d be wise to bet on one of the two quarterbacks wearing a New England Patriots uniform in 2024. Maye is often viewed as the lesser of the top two options in this class, but I’m not sure that’s the case. There are still months left in the evaluation process, but as of today, Maye is my QB1.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 205 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: Kyler Murray has played some impressive football since returning to the field in 2023. With a big need for a receiver to pair with TE Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. is a match made in heaven for Murray and the Arizona Cardinals' offense.
4. Washington Commanders
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 319 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: We went with the same selection of Olu Fashanu last week for the Washington Commanders, and the more I think about it, the more I love the pick for the Commanders. Sam Howell is the most sacked quarterback in the NFL, and while it’s not certain he’s the long-term answer at quarterback, changing the protection in front of him is the first step to figuring that out.
5. New York Giants
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 210 lbs
Class: Senior
Fit: The Jayden Daniels conversation has become a muddy one over the last few weeks. Since being announced as the Heisman winner on Dec. 9, the opinions on Daniels and his 2024 NFL Draft stock are all over the place. Daniels makes a ton of sense for Brian Daboll and the New York Giants offense, and he has pulled away from the others in the QB3 race.
Read More: Jayden Daniels Has Become QB3 In 2024 Draft (Spielman)
6. Tennessee Titans
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 315 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: The Tennessee Titans' offensive line is far from what it used to be. Tennessee is trying to determine what it has in QB Will Levis, and adding a blue-chip offensive lineman such as Joe Alt to help provide protection, and get the Titans' run game back on schedule, is excellent value for Mike Vrabel’s team.
7. Chicago Bears
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 200 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: Whether it’s a wide receiver or offensive lineman, it’s tough to see Chicago failing to add some kind of protection or weaponry to help its newly acquired franchise quarterback. Malik Nabers is the most explosive receiver in this draft class and should not get lost in the shadows of Marvin Harrison Jr. Nabers' addition would put Chicago immediately into the conversation as one of the most exciting, young receiving corps in the NFL.
8. Las Vegas Raiders
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 213 lbs
Class: Senior
Fit: The Las Vegas Raiders are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. While that’s often hard to find outside of the top five, Michael Penix Jr. is the closest option to that outside of the big three names. Penix Jr. had a remarkable season for the Washington Huskies and is looking to close it out with a championship run. Penix Jr. is still developing some important areas of his game (timing, anticipation and ball placement), but he’s generally accurate, athletic and has more than enough arm talent to win NFL games early in his career.
9. New York Jets
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 215 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: The New York Jets' offense has been an utter disaster in 2023 (although win an impressive Week 14 showing!). With very few consistent options outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets must find some complimentary weapons to make things easier on Aaron Rodgers in 2024 and beyond. Rome Odunze is the best route-runner in this class and can add another dynamic receiving outlet and take some pressure off of Wilson.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 240 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: With plenty of questions surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers' defense, their offense has been the bigger issue over the last few weeks. TE Gerald Everett is a free agent at the end of the year, Keenan Allen is not getting any younger, Mike Williams' health is always a concern, and Quentin Johnston has been a major disappointment in 2023. Adding Brock Bowers to the offense probably makes a much bigger impact than adding a singular defensive player with so many holes on that side of the ball.
11. Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 242 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: While the Atlanta Falcons could and probably should be in the trade-up sweepstakes for a quarterback, adding a value piece in Dallas Turner here is a nice consolation prize. Atlanta has gotten good results from its defense in 2023, and adding Turner to the mix helps bolster a strength.
12. New Orleans Saints
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 202 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: The Derek Carr experience for the New Orleans Saints has been a rough one in 2023. Carr’s contract makes things a bit interesting, but drafting his replacement in a loaded quarterback class would be a wise move for the Saints. Carr ranks 20th in EPA per play and 17th in success rate in 2023. Those numbers just are not good enough for a guy who will be owed more than $35 million in 2024. J.J. McCarthy may need a year to sit and develop, making the fit in New Orleans a good one. Carr has a potential out in his contract in 2025 with a dead cap hit of only $17 million.
13. Seattle Seahawks
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 260 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: The Seattle Seahawks defense has been getting picked on far too often over the past few weeks. Jared Verse offers the ability and attitude to stop that quickly with his knack for rushing the quarterback and playing the run at a high level. Verse may not be the freaky athlete that many want on the edge, but his consistency, power and technique as a three-down player add a ton of value to a Seahawks defense that has struggled over the last few seasons.
14. Los Angeles Rams
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: For all the good the Los Angeles Rams have done this season, improving their defense — especially the backend — is a must during the offseason. Nate Wiggins is one of the more consistent corners in this class and can be a big step in the right direction for Los Angeles' defensive rebuild.
15. Arizona Cardinals
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 265 lbs
Class: Senior
Fit: A first-round haul of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Laiatu Latu would be quite the win for Arizona. Latu’s medicals will be huge to determine how high he goes in the 2024 NFL Draft, but his size, motor, technical aspect of his game and three-down ability make him one of the top edge defenders.
16. Denver Broncos
Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 250 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: The Denver Broncos are starting to figure some things out on defense, but continuing to add to the pass rush is one of their blinking lights heading into the draft. Chop Robinson's quickness, explosiveness and length will make him a dangerous threat off the edge as he strengthens his frame and develops his pass-rush plan and technique.
17. Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 215 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: After firing Ken Dorsey, many thought the Buffalo Bills' offensive struggles were rooted much deeper than just the play-caller. While they still have plenty of things to clean up, they have gotten into a much better rhythm over the past few weeks. Adding a receiver to the mix who can be an upgrade over Gabe Davis and Khalil Shakir is a must. Keon Coleman brings size, ball skills and consistency to a Buffalo receiver room that it has lacked outside of Stefon Diggs.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 360 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: The Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line let them down again in 2023. The Bengals' playoff hopes remain alive thanks to some impressive play from Jake Browning, but solidifying the protection upfront to keep Joe Burrow upright is a must going forward. J.C. Latham is the best right tackle in this class and would help solidify the right side of the line.
19. Indianapolis Colts
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 205 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs aren’t a bad one-two punch, but with Pittman Jr. hitting free agency after the season, wide receiver will be at the top of the Indianapolis Colts' list of needs. Even if Pittman is retained, adding Brian Thomas Jr. to pair with Pittman Jr. and Downs would give Indianapolis a dynamic trio to help out young quarterback Anthony Richardson.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 195 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: One of the most disappointing units in the NFL this season has been the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' secondary. Despite having some quality veterans, Tampa Bay’s defense ranks 29th in dropback EPA and 19th in dropback success rate. Improving the cornerback room will need to be at the top of the priority list heading into the offseason, and Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry is a scheme fit.
21. Green Bay Packers
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 340 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: The Green Bay Packers normally do not draft bigger tackles because they value athleticism in their lineman. But do not mistake Amarius Mims' size for a lack of athleticism. Mims is powerful but also an efficient mover as a run blocker who does tremendous things as a pass protector. Mims is the immediate replacement for David Bahktiari and will help solidify the offensive line for promising QB Jordan Love.
22. Minnesota Vikings
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 217 lbs
Class: Senior
Fit: There’s been more talk about Bo Nix falling in this draft since the end of the college football regular season. While I would not draft Nix this early, quarterback value drives NFL teams crazy in the draft. Despite his limitations, Nix could be very efficient in a Kevin O’Connell offense, and the fit just makes a lot of sense for Nix and the Minnesota Vikings.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 196 lbs
Class: Sophomore
Fit: The Pittsburgh Steelers' corners have been a major disappointment in 2023. Getting torched by Bailey Zappe and the Patriots' offense on Thursday Night Football added more fuel to that fire. Terion Arnold is very young and raw but is the most “traits-y” corner in this class.
24. Houston Texans
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 206 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: In Week 14, we got our first look at a not-so-good Houston Texans offense against a tough New York Jets defense. C.J. Stroud had some issues dealing with pressure and missed a few throws, but it was easy to feel the absence of Tank Dell. While Dell should return to form in 2024, adding Emeka Egbuka would give the Texans and Stroud multiple talented receiving outlets to attack opposing defenses.
25. Kansas City Chiefs
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 187 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: Another week, another wide receiver woe costing the Kansas City Chiefs a win. Adding a receiver is a must for the Chiefs in a draft class loaded with talented ones. Troy Franklin dominated at Oregon in 2023, and his big-play ability and consistency are much needed to help get the Chiefs offense back on track.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 317 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: Trevor Lawrence has taken an absolute beating over the last few weeks. With Anton Harrison playing well in his rookie season, returning to the offensive line well in the Draft to help solidify that unit is not a bad idea for a Jacksonville Jaguars team that relies on its offense to win games. Troy Fautanu offers inside-out versatility and can play on either side of the line with college snaps at both tackle spots and left guard.
27. Detroit Lions
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 207 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: The Detroit Lions had major issues defending the Bears on Sunday. Those are words you shouldn’t be saying at this point. The Lions have major needs at defensive back, so look for them to add more athleticism to the position. Cooper DeJean is a sticky, versatile, tough cornerback who was made to play for Dan Campbell.
28. Dallas Cowboys
Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 314 lbs
Class: Senior
Fit: The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line has been up-and-down throughout the season. Terence Steele has had major struggles, Tyron Smith has dealt with age and injuries, and Tyler Biadasz is scheduled to hit free agency at the end of the year. Adding a versatile offensive lineman in this draft is a must for Dallas. Graham Barton has started at left tackle the last three years for Duke but played center his freshman year, and many around the league view that as his best spot in the NFL.
29. Miami Dolphins
Jer'Zhan Newton, iDL, Illinois
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 295 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: The Miami Dolphins have quite a few interior defensive linemen hitting free agency in 2024. With defensive tackle being a position of need and rumors of Jer’Zhan Newton potentially falling due to some size concerns, this is a perfect example of the best player available at a position of need for the Dolphins.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 334 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: The San Francisco 49ers have a few holes on their roster, but their offensive line has shown some areas of weakness. Taliese Fuaga is one of the top right tackles in this class and could be an instant upgrade over Colton McKivitz at right tackle.
31. Baltimore Ravens
Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 191 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: Despite lacking big names, the Baltimore Ravens' defense has had a tremendous season. Its one consistent concern is its talent at cornerback behind Marlon Humphrey, where it's shown some cracks. Kalen King is a talented but inconsistent cornerback who would fit in Baltimore perfectly due to how good the Ravens are in all three levels of their defense. He may need a year before he’s ready to contribute, but the traits are all there.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 196 lbs
Class: Junior
Fit: One of the biggest areas of concern for the Philadelphia Eagles moving forward is their secondary. James Bradberry and Darius Slay are not getting any younger, and some of their recent draft picks still have a long way to go. Quinyon Mitchell is one of the draft's most athletic and talented cornerbacks and would be an excellent addition to a defense with a line that wreaks havoc.