NFL Analysis
1/1/24
16 min read
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions After Week 17
Week 17 brought some slight shake-ups in the top five. We start to see just how the quarterback dominos can affect things inside the top 10 of this 2024 NFL mock draft. With one week left in the regular season, we know the Bears will own the No. 1 overall pick after Carolina’s loss to the Jaguars. But aside from that, a lot can change over the next week.
This week brought us many exciting games, upsets, and playoff-clinching wins. It also highlighted some areas certain NFL teams must improve in the 2024 NFL Draft.
LATEST 2024 NFL MOCK DRAFT
1. Chicago Bears
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Justin Fields continues to make his case to remain in Chicago, but the best move long-term for the Chicago Bears is to trade Fields in the offseason and restart their contending window with Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. Williams' style of play more closely resembles Fields with a much higher ceiling from the pocket.
2. Washington Commanders
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 230 pounds
Class: Sophomore
Fit: Somehow, the Washington Commanders cannot get away from Sam Howell. A week after announcing Howell’s benching, Jacoby Brissett suffered a hamstring injury in practice leading up to their week 17 game against San Francisco, forcing Howell back into the lineup.
Washington is all but announcing they will be in the quarterback market this offseason, and picking second overall locks them into one of the two top quarterbacks.
3. New England Patriots
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: With the top two quarterbacks off the board, New England’s best move would be to pivot to the best offensive player in the draft in WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Whoever is quarterbacking the New England Patriots in 2024 will need more help on offense, and Harrison would provide more than enough for it.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 200 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: After a big win against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, the Arizona Cardinals might have played themselves out of the Marvin Harrison Jr. sweepstakes. But have no fear, Cardinals fans. LSU WR Malik Nabers is an excellent consolation prize. The Cardinals offense needs more juice, and Nabers has plenty of it.
5. New York Giants
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 210 pounds
Class: Senior
Fit: The New York Giants did exactly what they should have over the weekend. Losing a close game to a good team by a missed field goal at the end is perfect for a team that gets the benefit of feeling good about themselves without winning its way out of a franchise quarterback. Jayden Daniels' rise to the top five is no fluke after a dominant year at LSU. His athleticism and arm talent instantly raises the ceiling of New York’s offense.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 240 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Los Angeles Chargers are a bad football team. Needing help on offense and defense, the Chargers must do the right thing and take the best player available when they get on the clock. While tight end is one of the least valuable positions in the NFL, Brock Bowers’ impact on offense will be felt in more ways than one.
7. Tennessee Titans
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 315 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Tennessee Titans desperately need a left tackle, and luckily for them, Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu should be available when they are on the clock come April. Alt is a better system fit for Tennessee and will improve the Titans' offense with his pass protection and run blocking.
8. New York Jets
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 319 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Whether it’s an offensive lineman or wide receiver, the New York Jets will likely add one of those positions with their first-round pick in April. Olu Fashanu wins out here due to the player's value at a position of need for the Jets, who must protect Aaron Rodgers’ blindside.
9. Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 242 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Despite getting some impressive results from their defense in 2023, the Atlanta Falcons need to add some impact defenders this offseason. The first order of business is figuring out what the quarterback position will look like, then turning their attention to positions of value on defense. Edge is one of the golden five positions in the NFL, and Dallas Turner will likely win the Edge1 race when it’s all said and done.
10. Chicago Bears
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: DJ Moore continues to prove he’s one of the best young receivers in the NFL, but adding to the receiver room from this deep draft class would be wise for Chicago. Washington WR Rome Odunze lacks elite athleticism and explosiveness but is one of the more pro-ready receivers in this class due to his route running, contested catch ability and knack for creating after the catch.
11. Las Vegas Raiders
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 196 pounds
Class: Sophomore
Fit: We’re hearing more and more buzz about Terrion Arnold being the first cornerback drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Arnold possesses all the traits to develop into an elite cornerback at the next level. Arnold showcased his elite ball skills and ball production this year for Alabama, and those should translate well in the NFL.
12. Green Bay Packers
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 185 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The cornerback position in Green Bay is in an interesting spot. As talented as Jaire Alexander is, his inability to stay healthy makes it challenging to rely on him for an entire season. Clemson CB Nate Wiggins is a bit undersized, like Alexander, but is one of the best cover cornerbacks in this draft. His pairing with Alexander would give the Green Bay Packers one of the better cornerback duos in the NFL.
13. Minnesota Vikings
Jer’Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 295 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: One of the better pairings this year is getting Jer'Zhan Newton with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Newton is undersized, but his ability to get after quarterbacks and live in opponents' backfields would be a match made in heaven for Flores and the Vikings. Minnesota moves its personnel around a ton to find advantageous matchups.
14. New Orleans Saints
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 260 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Jared Verse feels like the perfect successor to Cameron Jordan. Both guys can impact the pass and the run, and play with relentless effort when rushing the quarterback. Verse has the size, power and pass-rush arsenal to make an impact early in his career. While he is not the athletic freak at the edge position, he wins using power, length and technique, something Jordan made a career off of in New Orleans.
15. Denver Broncos
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 265 pounds
Class: Senior
Fit: While the Denver Broncos could be in the race for Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, or J.J. McCarthy, Sean Payton will likely fight for a more proven veteran to run his offense. Laiatu Latu’s draft projection will all come down to his medicals, but there’s no denying the skillset of the UCLA edge rusher. Latu is a three-down player who can impact pockets as a pass rusher and play stout against the run.
16. Cincinnati Bengals
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 340 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Cincinnati Bengals must invest premium assets in the offensive line. With Joe Burrow returning from injury, keeping him protected should be the primary focus for the Bengals heading into the 2024 season.
Amarius Mims is a monster offensive tackle prospect with the size, length, and athleticism to be a long-term answer for the Bengals at left tackle.
17. Arizona Cardinals
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 195 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Cornerback is one of the leading positions of need for Jonathan Gannon’s defense, and Kool-Aid McKinstry will fit right in. Shoring up the Arizona pass defense can be the next step in getting the Cardinals back to a possible playoff contender sooner rather than later.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 360 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones has been a success for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but moving him back to his natural position at left tackle and finding the right tackle of the future would be a massive win for Pittsburgh. JC Latham was a crucial factor in Alabama’s offensive success in 2023, and his ability to dominate as a run blocker and keep rushers away from the pocket will have him coveted by all teams looking for right tackle help.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 213 pounds
Class: Senior
Fit: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely have a new coaching staff in 2024, meaning there’s an excellent chance they could draft a quarterback early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Michael Penix Jr. can make a lot of money with his performance in the College Football Playoff. Still, regardless, he should be drafted at some point in the first round because there are so many quarterback-needy teams. The fit and value here with Tampa Bay make a ton of sense.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 274 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Another week, another game where the Seattle Seahawks defense was a major letdown against a lesser opponent. Seattle’s defense is filled with volatility from a personnel standpoint, and Bralen Trice can help shore up things from a down-to-down consistency standpoint.
21. Indianapolis Colts
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Whether Michael Pittman Jr. is retained or not is still up in the air, but the Indianapolis Colts need to add playmakers to their offense for Anthony Richardson when he returns from injury. Brian Thomas Jr. is one of the draft's most dynamic and productive receivers and can be a reliable option for Shane Steichen and the Colts offense.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 317 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: One of my favorite pairings in this draft is Washington OL Troy Fautanu to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Doug Pederson needs improvement in the interior of the Jacksonville offensive line, and Fautanu’s move inside to guard should be a smooth transition for the Washington offensive lineman. Fautanu offers position flexibility at tackle and guard and is one of the more underrated linemen in the draft.
23. Los Angeles Rams
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 207 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Despite an impressive season from the Los Angeles Rams, continuing to add to the defense will be vital in maintaining their success heading into 2024. Cooper DeJean is one of the better defensive chess pieces in this draft class, and his ability to play all over the field at a high level instantly improves the Rams' defense, which has been a bit suspect down the stretch.
24. Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman, WR, FSU
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Buffalo Bills wide receiver room is one of the more inconsistent units in the NFL. Adding Keon Coleman’s size, reliability, and big-play upside to the Bills offense is hard not to get excited about. Despite his lack of long speed, Coleman has the size, ball skills, and body control to be a consistent threat in the Buffalo offense and take pressure off Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs.
25. Kansas City Chiefs
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 187 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The need to add weapons at receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs is no secret. Troy Franklin’s ability to create in all three levels and line up all over the field in Andy Reid’s offense would give Patrick Mahomes and Reid the reliable option at wide receiver they’ve missed since Tyreek Hill’s departure.
26. Philadelphia Eagles
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 180 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Philadelphia Eagles' defense is broken. Allowing the Arizona Cardinals offense to dominate you through the air and on the ground should not happen, but the Eagles' defense allowed it for four quarters on Sunday. Howie Roseman loves Georgia prospects, and Kamari Lassiter is one of the best this year.
27. Detroit Lions
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 196 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: It should surprise no one that just a few days after allowing CeeDee Lamb to gain 227 yards on 13 receptions, we have the Detroit Lions taking a cornerback with their first-round pick. Quinyon Mitchel is athletic and physical. He has tremendous ball and cover skills to step in — in his first season — and play a big role in Aaron Glenn’s defense.
28. Houston Texans
Adonai MItchell, WR, Texas
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 196 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Houston Texans have done some tremendous things on offense in 2023 with a rookie quarterback and no real dynamic threats. That should change in 2024 with the ability to add a difference maker at receiver to pair with Nico Collins, Tank Dell and star QB C.J. Stroud.
29. Miami Dolphins
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 334 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: With some short-term concerns regarding the interior of the Miami Dolphins' offensive line and some long-term concerns at tackle, Taliese Fuaga would be an excellent fit for Miami’s offense. Fuaga is a dominant run blocker who offers tackle/guard versatility and could do some big things in Mike McDaniels' offense.
30. Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 328 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Dallas Cowboys have an offensive tackle issue. Tyron Smith continues to battle injuries and is nearing the end of his career. Terrence Steele received a nice contract last offseason but has been a significant liability this year and may not be the long-term answer at right tackle. Tyler Guyton has some position flexibility and can play on both sides of the line for the Cowboys. Whether it’s taking over for Smith when he retires or replacing Steele if his struggles continue, the Cowboys need to begin the offensive line rebuild, and Guyton is a great start.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 254 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: While edge is not a huge weakness for the San Francisco 49ers, Chase Young and Clellin Ferrell are free agents at the end of the season, and you can never have too many pass rushers. Chop Robinson has a way to go as a run defender and will need to improve his technique as a rusher, but he has one of the best first steps in this class and oozes upside due to his athletic profile.
32. Baltimore Ravens
J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 270 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: At the end of the season, the Baltimore Ravens will lose some key pieces on their defensive line in free agency, and J.T. Tuimoloau’s versatility will instantly fill a void in Baltimore. The Ravens' defensive results will be tough to replicate in 2024, but continuing to build along the defensive line can help mitigate some of their deficiencies on the backend.