I know… I know… This is gross. This is just bad. But I’m doing it, and I’m doing it for one reason… I just want to see how well I can predict the future. It’d be pretty cool to come back to this mock in the spring of 2024 and see how many of these prospects are still top draft picks and how much movement there is. I don’t know, it’d just be kinda fun. You need to stop clowning me for doing this… You’re the one who clicked on this article! So, now we’re even.
Some quick notes…
I’m using Tankathon for the draft order. It’s only right.
I’m not going to go crazy in-depth on prospect analysis. If you’re looking for that I recommend you check out my article on 24 prospects to know for the 2024 NFL Draft.
This won’t count as V1 of my 2024 NFL Mock Draft cycle.
Alright it’s showtime. Let the madness commence…
1. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Williams QB — USC
Yeah… Arizona paid Kyler Murray a boat load of money and welp… If the Cardinals are picking at the very top of the draft in 2024, the only logical thing to do is trade Kyler for what you can and draft Caleb Williams. Arizona did a tremendous job in the 2023 NFL Draft to start setting the franchise up for success. Going into the 2024 season I am positive that you’d rather continue to build with the 6-foot-1, 22-year-old quarterback and not the 5-foot-10, 27-year-old quarterback. You can’t pass on a special talent like Caleb.
2. Arizona Cardinals (via Texans): Marvin Harrison Jr. WR — Ohio State
The Houston Texans have been praised non-stop for the acquisition of Will Anderson Jr. But those fellas paid a hefty price, and it could very well include a top three pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. As I mentioned, Arizona is building a very strong foundation with plenty of intriguing talents on rookie deals. Add Marvin Harrison Jr. to the core with Caleb slinging him the rock, Paris Johnson Jr. crushing it as the franchise left tackle, and this is going to be one of the most fun teams in the league to watch.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drake Maye QB — North Carolina
Drake Maye is heavily expected to be the QB2 of a very strong 2024 QB class. Maye boasts terrific poise and ball placement. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, the 22-year-old rookie will be a coveted prospect, and the Buccaneers would be happy to select him after losing out on Caleb.
4. Los Angeles Rams: Joe Alt OT — Notre Dame
The Rams would be an incredibly unhappy organization if they found themselves picking outside the top three in 2024. That franchise has hopes of hitting big with one of the premier quarterbacks in the class. Instead, they’ll settle for one of the premier tackles in Joe Alt. As of this very moment, I believe that Alt will be the first tackle off the board. He’s 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds and will be a 21-year-old rookie. Alt is a former tight end who boasts exceptional footwork. He’s got long arms and terrific power as well.
5. Indianapolis Colts: Dallas Turner EDGE — Alabama
Dallas Turner will be a 21-year-old rookie, and he’s going to be drafted very high next spring. His youth will be a big reason why in addition to a 6-foot-4, 242-pound frame and stellar production in the SEC since he was a freshman. I did consider offensive tackle here, but I believe that Turner will be a top five pick so I went with him. An instant improvement to the pass-rushing department.
6. Washington Commanders: Olumuyiwa Fashanu OT — Penn State
The Commanders can feel comfortable betting on a DMV kid in Olumuyiwa Fashanu. He’s a former three-star recruit that is developing at a rapid rate and won’t turn 21 years old until early December. Washington needs to upgrade the trenches and secure a star talent at left tackle. Looking past the 6-foot-6, 323-pound Olu would be foolish.
7. Atlanta Falcons: Jared Verse EDGE — Florida State
Jared Verse was a top 10 player for me in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he shocked me and many others by returning to Florida State. He would’ve been a target for Atlanta at No. 8 in 2023, and he’d definitely be a target at No. 7 in 2024. The Falcons pass rush still needs to be upgraded and Verse is a 6-foot-4, 248-pound menace off the edge. Easy pick.
8. Green Bay Packers: Kalen King CB — Penn State
I’m expecting a massive season from Penn State’s Kalen King. He burst onto the college football scene in 2022 with 16 pass breakups and three picks. The 5-foot-11 corner exhibits incredible instincts and plenty of speed. I think his toughness and physicality will intrigue plenty of teams. It might be a shock to call him CB1 right now, but when have I ever been afraid of being different? The thought of Jaire Alexander and Kalen King on the same team… sheesh!
9. Tennessee Titans: Emeka Egbuka WR — Ohio State
As Tennessee is looking to upgrade the WR position and find a quality piece to pair with Treylon Burks… it’s an easy pick. Emeka Egbuka is smooth and savvy. A creative route runner that shines with fantastic footwork and prolific change of direction. I absolutely despise player comparisons, but he’ll draw endless comps to Chris Olave.
10. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): J.T. Tuimoloau EDGE — Ohio State
If you recognize the name J.T. Tuimoloau, it might be because you watched his masterclass against Penn State. Two interceptions, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. A difference maker, a game changer. That’s what a team picking in the top 10 will hope JTT is for them. He’ll be a 21-year-old rookie.
11. Las Vegas Raiders: Kool-Aid McKinstry CB — Alabama
It’s likely that the Raiders will look to upgrade the corner position in 2024. I like rolling with Kool-Aid McKinstry here. The 6-foot-1 corner recorded 15 pass breakups last fall. He plays with a lot of physicality and uses his hands plenty. Back in 2021, he was praised by John Metchie III for stepping up and being so physical as a young DB. He also has ridiculous footwork.
12. Chicago Bears: Raheim “Rocket” Sanders RB — Arkansas
After seeing the draft capital invested into Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, it’s very reasonable to think that Raheim “Rocket” Sanders could be a top 15 pick next season. The 6-foot-2, 237-pound back has stupendous vision, wild speed, and exquisite burst. Rocket played wide receiver back in high school, and his receiving skills from the running back position are nuts.
13. Denver Broncos: Brock Bowers TE — Georgia
I know… this is pretty late for Brock Bowers. It goes without saying that he’ll be perceived as one of the top talents in this class. The reason I have him going 13th overall is because I couldn’t find a spot that made sense other than the Colts at five… who I upgraded the pass rush with instead. Other teams had no right to take a TE for several reasons. Most of them just invested heavily into the position as well. I also wouldn’t be surprised if this is around the range where Bowers goes on draft day. Denver would jump at the opportunity to add the 21-year-old rookie that showcases elite athleticism, great speed, and marvelous hands.
14. New England Patriots: Maason Smith DT — LSU
Maason Smith is a behemoth at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds. At just 20 years old, he looks the part of an NFL defensive tackle. Smith lost his 2022 season due to a torn ACL he suffered while celebrating after a play. I’m betting on the powerful force to return to his Freshman All-America form with a gargantuan 2023 season.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Rome Odunze WR — Washington
It’s a tough pick to make here for Pittsburgh, so I settled for one of my favorites in the class to electrify this Steelers offense. Rome Odunze is a 6-foot-3 phenom and offers a fascinating three-level game. Odunze has crafty route-running, real speed, and big-time ball skills. I think he’s the clear WR3 in this class right now.
16. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Penix Jr. QB — Washington
Michael Penix Jr. could go much higher than this when it’s all said and done. It’s just super difficult trying to find QB spots in the draft… we don’t have a dang clue which NFL teams are going to be comfortable with their situation or frantically looking to improve it. What I do know is that this tough lefty will have a lot of fans. An absolute gunslinger who drops the ball in the bucket with some serious heat, but he’s well aware of when to throw with touch. As a football fan, it would be amazing to watch him go from throwing to Odunze and Jalen McMillan to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
17. Houston Texans (via Browns): Chop Robinson EDGE — Penn State
I would love to see Houston add to the pass rush with another edge rusher in 2024. Chop Robinson stands out to me, and I think that the 6-foot-3, 253-pound pass rusher is primed to be a high draft pick in 2024. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he went higher than No. 17. Chop wins with great power, agility, and speed. DeMeco Ryans will be salivating at the thought of pairing Chop with Will Anderson Jr.
18. Los Angeles Chargers: Ja’Tavion Sanders TE — Texas
Ja’Tavion Sanders is quite the athlete. In high school, he balled out at wide receiver and defensive end, in addition to playing basketball. The 6-foot-4 pass catcher is set to be a 21-year-old rookie and perhaps the most coveted tight end in the class after Brock Bowers. He’s got so much speed, it’s scary. Back in high school, Reel Analytics clocked Sanders in at 20.7 mph while running back a pick six. Justin Herbert would appreciate the addition of a new TE1.
19. New Orleans Saints: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. LB — Clemson
Demario Davis isn’t getting any younger. The Saints add Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to be the middle linebacker of their future. He’s the son of Jeremiah Trotter Sr. who made four Pro Bowls and is in the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame. Trotter Jr. thrives in pass coverage, collecting two picks and five pass breakups last season while radiating great athleticism. The 6-foot, 230-pounder is a menace in pass rush as he racked up 6.5 sacks and he sniffed out the run with 13.5 tackles for loss. He’s consistently getting better and turns 21 years old on Christmas Eve.
20. New York Giants: Quinn Ewers QB — Texas
I have no problem with throwing Quinn Ewers to the New York Football Giants. I’m still not sold that Brian Daboll and company are content with Daniel Jones at QB despite the money he’s being paid. There’s also a potential out in his contract after the 2024 season. It’s extremely likely that Ewers will be very coveted by the NFL, and I’d say they’ll love him a lot more than college football fans will. In the spring game, I noticed that his footwork in the pocket looks improved, so that’s great. We’ll see if his accuracy improves as well. You can’t deny the big-time arm that the 6-foot-2 quarterback possesses. The NFL will gush over him, and these Giants would be intrigued by the vertical passing game Ewers offers.
21. Detroit Lions: Bralen Trice EDGE — Washington
You know who Dan Campbell would obsess over? Bralen Trice. The 6-foot-4, 267-pounder racked up nine sacks last fall and is primed to have another big year. Trice has plenty of speed and has a lethal get-off. The pass-rushing demon wins with an intriguing blend of speed and violence.
22. Miami Dolphins: Malik Nabers WR — LSU
A receiving trio of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Malik Nabers is comically good. Nabers is a 6-foot wideout with wheels and a massive catch radius. Stellar body control. Great route running. Amazing elusive movement in the open field. Whatever IT is… he’s got IT. Nabers should be in everybody’s first round of way-too-early mocks and if he’s not… reconsider whose information you seek out. The 2024 WR class is so nuts, and Nabers slots in comfortably at No. 4.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cooper Beebe IOL — Kansas State
Cooper Beebe will be a 23-year-old rookie. Beebe is 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds, and, in my opinion, projects as a guard in the NFL. He’s marvelous in pass protection, and according to PFF, has not allowed a sack dating back to the 2020 game vs. Iowa State. That’s 803 straight pass-blocking plays without letting his quarterback go down. Trevor Lawrence will thank you for drafting Beebe.
24. Green Bay Packers (via Jets): Javon Bullard SAF — Georgia
I’m positive that Javon Bullard will go higher than this on draft day. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder is set to start at safety this fall and showcase his absolutely wildly brilliant IQ. He’s got a nose for the football and blows up plays with big tackles or astounding pass breakups. Invest some stocks into Javon Bullard and thank me later.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Andrew Mukuba SAF — Clemson
Seeing Seattle be completely unafraid to add top-tier talent over team needs in the first round last year brought a gargantuan smile to my face. I shed a few tears of joy, I won’t lie. Let’s keep it rolling for the Seahawks by adding another member to the secondary in Andrew Mukuba. He was born in Zimbabwe and grew up there before immigrating to Austin, Tex., at the age of nine after being granted asylum. Mukuba is now a star on the football field and will be drafted as a 21-year-old who has a very bright future. Like most Clemson stars, he has great versatility. The 6-foot, 185-pounder sees plenty of snaps in the box, in the nickel, and both free and strong safety. There was even talk about moving Mukuba to corner for the upcoming season. I greatly anticipate his 2023 season and will enjoy seeing him drafted in 2024.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Duce Chestnut CB — LSU
I’m projecting a big year from Duce Chestnut. The transfer from Syracuse did good work up there as he snagged four interceptions and broke up nine passes in two seasons. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound corner will develop rapidly at LSU and become a well-known name. The LSU branding will put him on the map, and I could see Round 1 love for Chestnut.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Jackson OG — Ohio State
Donovan Jackson is a 6-foot-4, 320-pound offensive lineman from Bellaire, Tex. His frame suits him best for the interior, but he does have the ability to play all five spots on the line and was originally recruited as a tackle. Jackson is equipped with 36-inch arms and should test very well at the NFL combine. I like the play strength he possesses and the quickness in which he moves with.
28. Buffalo Bills: Blake Fisher OT — Notre Dame
It shouldn’t surprise any of us if Blake Fisher goes higher than this when he’s drafted. The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder plays mean and boasts vigorous hands. He has a very strong upper body and has massive arms and hands. Alt and Fisher form one of the top tackle duos in our sport, and both are primed for excellent futures.
29. San Francisco 49ers: Devontez Walker WR — North Carolina
As someone who is predicting a prolific season from Devontez Walker… I wanted to get bold and fit him into the first round of my way-too-early mock. This could look weird, but I don’t think it will. Those inside the NFL are familiar with the 6-foot-3 wideout’s game and the majestic speed plus terrific ball skills he’s blessed with. Walker will produce so much in 2023, and with Maye throwing him the ball… all eyes will be on Walker, and his stock will rise every single month.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: TreVeyon Henderson RB — Ohio State
I don’t believe the Bengals’ starting running back in 2024 is currently on their roster… and again we saw two backs selected inside the top 12 in 2023… the NFL doesn’t treat this position like we think they should. Let’s send TreVeyon Henderson to Cincinnati and bank on the 5-foot-10 RB having a bounce-back season this fall. He’s blessed with such incredible burst. It’s effortless. Henderson will be highly sought after in fantasy football leagues.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Kamari Lassiter CB — Georgia
I’d be foolish to not mock a Georgia product to Philadelphia. Kamari Lassiter is a 6-foot corner who plays a physical brand of football. He’s a terrific tackler and key in run support. He’s also highly intellectual and has crazy good ball skills.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Malachi Moore DB — Alabama
Finally I found a spot for Malachi Moore. Kansas City would love to add a versatile piece like this to its defense. It’s hard to believe that Moore is already entering his senior season… Time flies. Malachi is quick and has plenty of range. He’ll be an enticing prospect thanks to his closing speed on the ball, work in run support, and good ball skills.
About the author
I am a diehard UCLA fan that has enjoyed (?) mediocrity year after year. My favorite CFB moment was witnessing UCLA comeback from 34 down against Texas A&M. Being at the Rose Bowl for that historic moment is something I’ll never forget. I have written about CFB since I was 14 and my favorite thing to do is give under-the-radar athletes the recognition they deserve. You might know me from @NoContextCFB !
