NFL Analysis
1/8/24
15 min read
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions After Week 18
After 18 long weeks, the NFL regular season has ended.
The first 18 picks are locked in place for the 2024 NFL Draft. While there are still plenty of questions about what will happen at No. 1, we have a good idea that the top of the draft will be offense-heavy, with multiple quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive tackles expected to go in the top 10.
Let’s see how it all played out this week.
LATEST 2024 NFL MOCK DRAFT
1. Chicago Bears
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: This week felt like a "win and you’re in" for Justin Fields. Unfortunately, the Chicago Bears fell short. A new quarterback will likely be on the way for Chicago. Caleb Williams is my QB2 behind Drake Maye, but given how effective Williams is with his legs in and out of the pocket, he seems like the best fit for the Bears' offense right now.
2. Washington Commanders
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 230 pounds
Class: Sophomore
Fit: Washington Commanders fans may get scared off by a UNC quarterback after how the Sam Howell experience has gone, but they shouldn’t. Despite a slow end to the season, Maye showcased high-ceiling traits for the Tar Heels. Maye’s mobility, athleticism and natural arm talent land him at the top of my quarterback rankings. He could be the quarterback the Commanders need to get back on track.
3. New England Patriots
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 210 pounds
Class: Senior
Fit: As we inch closer to the draft, we’re hearing more and more whispers about Jayden Daniels flying up draft boards and even putting himself in the QB2 conversation. The New England Patriots have holes all over their roster and could look to trade the pick to start their rebuild, but adding Daniels with a new coaching staff and support system seems like the best use of a top-three draft pick.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: This selection has remained consistent throughout the year. It is more likely that the first three picks will all be quarterbacks, allowing the best offensive player in this draft class, Marvin Harrison Jr., to fall into the Arizona Cardinals' lap.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 240 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: This selection becomes increasingly likely now that the Los Angeles Chargers are locked into a top-five pick. Like the Patriots, the Chargers could look to trade back and stockpile picks because they will have plenty of holes to fill on their 2024 roster. Adding play-maker Brock Bowers to the offense gives the Chargers a player with some juice.
6. New York Giants
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 200 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: With the New York Giants playing themselves out of the top two quarterbacks, Daniel Jones will likely be back and running the offense when healthy. So improving the weapons is a must for a struggling New York offense. Malik Nabers adds much-needed explosiveness, reliability and big-play ability for a group that has lacked all of those traits from a wide receiver in some time.
7. Tennessee Titans
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 315 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: After stunning the Jaguars in Week 18, the Tennessee Titans enter an uncertain era for the first time in years. The first order of business for the new-look Titans will be rebuilding the offensive line. Joe Alt is OT1a in this draft class and is an ideal fit for a Titans squad needing a stable option at left tackle to protect Will Levis’ blindside.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 213 pounds
Class: Senior
Fit: This may feel a bit rich, but I think the Atlanta Falcons will be high on Michael Penix Jr. in this draft process. Penix Jr. is making a lot of noise in the College Football Playoffs and can work his way into the top-10 discussion with another strong showing in the National Championship.
9. Chicago Bears
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Whether with their first first-round pick or second, adding a top wide receiver seems like a lock for the Chicago Bears. Rome Odunze is most likely the WR3 in this class, and his skill set would pair perfectly with DJ Moore, giving rookie QB Williams a big target to win with in all three levels of the field.
10. New York Jets
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 319 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Whether it’s an offensive tackle or wide receiver, the New York Jets' first-round selection feels like a coin-flip between those two positions. With a need at offensive tackle and the value in drafting Penn State LT Olu Fashanu, the fit makes too much sense for Joe Douglas to pass up.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 265 pounds
Class: Senior
Fit: The Minnesota Vikings head into the offseason looking for impact defenders. Laiatu Latu is in the race for Edge1 and is the definition of an impact defender when healthy and on the field. If medicals check out for Latu, expect him to be a borderline top-10 pick and see the field often in his rookie year.
12. Denver Broncos
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 242 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: With offensive players dominating the top 10, defensive players start to dominate the middle of the first round. The Denver Broncos must figure out their quarterback situation, but they have bigger issues on defense. Dallas Turner is one of the higher-ceiling pass rushers in the class with the high-end traits needed to develop into a double-digit sack guy.
13. Las Vegas Raiders
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 196 pounds
Class: Sophomore
Fit: It’ll be interesting to see who wins in the CB1 race, but Terrion Arnold has the lead for me. The Las Vegas Raiders will need to remake their defensive back room this offseason, and adding a talent like Arnold gives them a true No. 1 cornerback who still has room to grow.
14. New Orleans Saints
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 260 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: With Cam Jordan nearing the end of the road, adding a three-down defensive lineman who can have an impact on the run and the pass would be wise for the New Orleans Saints.
Jared Verse is one of the more NFL-ready defensive ends in this class. He has the size, strength and versatility to play up and down the line of scrimmage.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Despite an impressive season from the Indianapolis Colts, they need to add more offensive assets. They have questions at wide receiver, tight end and offensive line. Brian Thomas Jr. has been one of the biggest risers over the 2023 season and worked himself into the top half of the first round.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 274 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Seattle Seahawks have tough decisions this offseason. A year after spending prime assets on defense, that unit was one of the worst in football. While we should expect the Seahawks to add some veterans, Bralen Trice has a veteran-like feel to his game. Trice plays assignment-sound football and is the main reason the Washington defense has played well down the stretch this season.
-
Behind the Scenes: Why Falcons Took Penix
Insider Ari Meirov gives the inside scoop behind what really happened with the Atlanta Falcons…
-
LaDarius Henderson 2024 NFL Draft: Combine Results, Scouting Report For Houston TExans OL
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the…
-
Marcus Harris 2024 NFL Draft: Combine Results, Scouting Report For Houston Texans DT
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the…
-
Michael Pratt NFL Draft 2024: Combine Results, Scouting Report For Green Bay Packers QB
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some…
-
Draft's Biggest Reaches Start Near The Top
Teams got much better about not reaching during the 2024 NFL Draft, which was evident…
-
Daequan Hardy 2024 NFL Draft: Combine Results, Scouting Report For Buffalo Bills CB
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the…
-
Tyrone Tracy Has a Lot in Common With 2 Current Pros
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the…
-
Jaylin Simpson 2024 NFL Draft: Combine Results, Scouting Report For Indianapolis Colts Safety
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the…
-
Size, Strength Concerns May Offset Booker's Pass-Rush Potential
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the…
-
Anthony Gould 2024 NFL Draft: Combine Results, Scouting Report for Indianapolis Colts WR
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the…
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 360 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Jacksonville Jaguars' interior needs a makeover. While J.C. Latham has tackle written all over him, his ability to play outside or inside makes him a prime option for Jacksonville. Rookie Anton Harrison had an impressive season for the Jaguars. Investing back-to-back first-round picks in the offensive line is a good idea for general manager Trent Baalke.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 334 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Another year, another disappointing season for the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line. After going the veteran route the last few seasons, it’s finally time for the Bengals to invest a high draft pick in a cornerstone offensive lineman. Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga is that cornerstone at right tackle.
19. Green Bay Packers
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 185 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Green Bay Packers' defense has come around over the last few weeks. But there are still plenty of holes in the pass defense that could get exposed in the playoffs. Nate Wiggins is a prospect who can instantly upgrade the Packers' coverage unit. Despite his limited physical traits, Wiggins can cover with the best of them and is one of the smartest defensive backs in the draft.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 195 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could go in many different directions with their first-round pick, but cornerback is a significant position of need. Kool-Aid McKinstry is one of two Alabama cornerbacks expected to go in the first round. His fit and value make a ton of sense for the NFC South champions.
21. Arizona Cardinals
Jer’Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 295 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: One of the biggest concerns for Jonathan Gannon is the need for top-end talent in the spine of his defense. Jer’Zhan Newton would instantly improve that, given his ability to live in opponents’ backfields. Newton is undersize and lacks length, but he’s one of the more disruptive pass rushers in this class, regardless of position.
22. Los Angeles Rams
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 207 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: It's tough to find a better fit in this draft than Iowa’s Cooper DeJean with the Los Angeles Rams. DeJean athleticism, versatility and toughness on defense are perfect for Raheem Morris’ defense in Los Angeles.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 328 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line has been an up-and-down unit all season. Broderick Jones impressed at right tackle in his first season. But a move back to his natural position at left tackle, and adding a franchise right tackle, would go a long way toward fixing the Steelers’ offensive line issues. Guyton’s big, athletic frame fits well with how Pittsburgh plays offense.
24. Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman, WR, FSU
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The need for another weapon in Buffalo becomes more evident each week. Stefon Diggs is starting to show signs of regression, and Josh Allen has to do much of the heavy lifting. Adding another receiver who can take pressure off Diggs and Allen will go a long way for the Buffalo Bills’ offense. Keon Coleman’s size, ball skills and body control are much-needed traits in Joe Brady’s offense.
25. Philadelphia Eagles
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 180 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense is one of the most disappointing units of the 2023 season. There are issues at all three levels, but the secondary is the most glaring. Kamari Lassiter is one of the better Georgia defensive backs who has entered the NFL Draft recently and could help fix Philadelphia’s pass defense.
26. Kansas City Chiefs
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 187 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Kansas City Chiefs adding weapons to their offense is a must. Thankfully for the Chiefs, this is one of the deepest wide receiver drafts in years. Troy Franklin slots in perfectly with Andy Reid’s offense, and Franklin can be a reliable option for Patrick Mahomes.
27. Houston Texans
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 206 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: C.J. Stroud has been one of the most fun stories of the 2023 season. Loading him up with more weapons makes the 2024 Houston Texans an even more significant threat in the AFC playoff picture. Emeka Egbuka has yet to declare, but he's expected to enter the 2024 NFL Draft by the Jan. 15 deadline.
28. Detroit Lions
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 196 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: Buying into the Detroit Lions as an NFC contender is challenging due to their poor secondary play. With that, we should expect the Lions to address the cornerback position heavily this offseason. Quinyon Mitchell is one of the draft’s most athletic cornerbacks. He thrives in coverage and when playing the football in the air.
29. Miami Dolphins
Graham Barton, IOL, Duke
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 314 pounds
Class: Senior
Fit: The Miami Dolphins have concerns about the interior and edges of their offensive line, so adding a versatile lineman in the first round makes sense. Graham Barton started for three years at left tackle and one year at center for the Blue Devils. His position flexibility and athletic profile fit perfectly with Mike McDaniel's offensive scheme.
30. Dallas Cowboys
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 340 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: The Dallas Cowboys' offensive tackle situation remains in flux, given Tyron Smith’s age and health and Terrence Steele's regression in 2023. Amarius Mims is one of the more talented tackle prospects in this draft, but lack of experience and injury concerns could push him down the board.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 317 pounds
Class: Junior
Fit: One of the San Francisco 49ers' few weaknesses is their right tackle and offensive line depth. Troy Fautanu can slide in and immediately help both. Fautanu has limited snaps on the right side at Washington, but his ability to play inside and out provides plenty of versatility for Kyle Shannahan.
32. Baltimore Ravens
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 325 pounds
Class: Senior
Fit: Whether it’s finding Ronnie Stanley’s successor at left tackle or quality depth in the trenches, addressing the offensive line feels likely for the Baltimore Ravens' first-round selection. Jordan Morgan was highly touted during the 2023 draft process but elected to return to school for his senior year. Morgan’s consistency and reliability as a pass protector and run-blocker should have him highly regarded by teams needing offensive line help.