Jack Bethel 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
Well, well, well. We’re officially back to the best part of the NFL timeline: Draft season. Every year, there’s a different storyline that captivates the draft. This year’s no exception.
Much like 2023, 24’s quarterback class headlines the prospects. Although the top selection is not much of a mystery, the ensuing picks will be sure to create a chaotic scene. Enough with the filler discourse, let’s get into it.
If you wouldn’t like to read in depth, please scroll to the end of the selections or click HERE as I have provided a summary of the overall draft. Enjoy :)
- Chicago Bears (via CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Is there any surprise here? No. Do I think he will be the long-term answer Chicago so desperately yearns for? Probably not. But the hype is real and he’s deserving of the top spot. Now let’s get to where the real fun begins.
2. Washington Commanders: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The first somewhat shock of the draft comes at 2. Until recently, Drake Maye was long thought of as the QB2 of the 2024 class, however, since winning a BCS title in rout to a perfect season, McCarthy has shot up boards. Dan Quinn and Co. take a shot at their guy.
3. New England Patriots: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Boom! No QB at 3? Could it happen? Probably not, but the Pats never seem to follow draft expectations. With their first top ten selection in over 15 years (coincidentally enough that pick was HC Jerod Mayo), New England selects the most pro-ready, sure-fire prospect on the board. Don’t be shocked to see this team again towards the end of Round 1.
TRADE ALERT: Arizona trades #4 overall for #11 overall and #23 overall to Minnesota
4. Minnesota Vikings (via ARI): Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
We saw this coming the second Minnesota traded for two first round selections. However, it’s not Drake Maye, rather what many fans would salivate for: LSU’s Jayden Daniels. The Vikes jump at the chance to land the reigning Heisman holder and hope to replace Kirk Cousins immediately with a dual-threat option at the helm.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
By far my favorite pass catcher in the draft, Coach Harbaugh fell in love with Odunze watching from the opposite sideline in the 2024 BCS Championship. Now working together, Harbaugh can immediately replace the big-time playmaker void left behind with the departure of Mike Williams.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Giants wide receiver room lacks a true WR1 for Danny Dimes. With a monstrous final season in Baton Rouge, Nabers skyrockets up boards becoming the top talent for New York from Day 1.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Don’t have to overthink this one. Titans top need is filled with the top offensive lineman in the class. Alt is the cleanest big man prospect of the draft coming out of O-Line U.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama
Much like Tennessee’s pick at 7, the Falcons fill one of their biggest needs. After addressing offensive skill positions in the first round three consecutive drafts, Atlanta finally acknowledges the defense. Turner hopes to emulate his former teammate, Will Anderson Jr.’s, rookie season.
9. Chicago Bears: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
With the top three wideouts off the board for Chicago, I nearly put Georgia TE Bowers here. However, the Gerald Everett signing voids this move and Chicago gives their new rookie QB another weapon at his disposal. Seven years after Cincinnati reached on fellow speedster, John Ross, the Bears select Worthy with the same pick.
10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
This move is really the only one that makes sense at this position. A month ago, a big man up front would be the obvious selection here. However, after OT and WR splashes in free agency, Bowers fills the biggest need in New York. Don’t be surprised if the Jets trade down here.
11. Arizona Cardinals (via MIN): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Now, with three first round selections, it is a near certainty that Arizona will address WR and CB in Round 1. As it seems positional selections go in waves, they continue the WR run with the 2023 FBS TD receiving leader.
12. Denver Broncos: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Certainly the underlying story of the draft thus far, Maye’s slide finally comes to an end. Lucky for him, he is put in a position as the likely starter Day 1.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
After Joe Alt, Tier 2 of the offensive tackles has three guys. Now even though all three have difficult to pronounce names, Fashanu out of Penn State has the most potential. Las Vegas is known for their reaches in Round 1, and this is no exception.
14. New Orleans Saints: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The start of the offensive tackle run is here. Fautanu will come in Day 1 and compete with Trevor Penning for the starting LT role. Penning, a first rounder himself, has immensely struggled since entering the league in 2022.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Offensive tackle back-to-back-to-back? Will it happen? Although unlikely, I wouldn’t be surprised for Indy to address a need that might not be as glaring.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
This seems like a perfect pairing to me. Latu’s ceiling is high coming out of UCLA as the nation’s leader in TFL per game. However, his medical history gives slight pause, causing him to fall out of the top ten. Once a Washington Huskie, Latu makes his return to Seattle.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
First defensive back selected comes out of Toledo?? Don’t be surprised as Mitchell is the real deal. His final collegiate season resembles that of Sauce Gardner, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see his rookie year follow the same path.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa State
The best cornerback in the draft (not bias) goes into a fantastic situation. Cincy lacks a true CB1 and Tampa can come in and fill that need immediately. With the Tee Higgins drama heating up and Tyler Boyd remaining unsigned, a new pass catcher could work here too.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Following the WR and OT runs, the cornerback run will come towards the middle to end of the first round. Los Angeles signed Tre’Davious White this offseason, however, it was only for one year. Wiggins could learn from White before becoming the starter full-time in 2025.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
For the second straight year, Pitt goes with an offensive tackle out of Georgia in the first round. Although a need at center as well, the Steelers can address that on Day 2.
21. Miami Dolphins: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
After losing both Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis up front, the Fins address their biggest hole. Although draft talk has remained quiet on Newton the past few months due to the two DTs from Texas, I still feel he is the best of the position in the class.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Trash to trash. We all know this kid will be a bust — why not put him on the trashiest team in the league? DeJean over Arnold?? Wouldn’t put it past Philly.
23. Arizona Cardinals (via MIN via HOU via CLE): Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Arizona jumps at the chance to stop Arnold’s slide and gladly pair a CB1 with their WR1 selection earlier in the night. This selection will resemble four years prior, when Philly passed on Justin Jefferson in favor of Jalen Reagor.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Graham Barton, C, Duke
Went back and forth here on placement, but the Cowboys first round selection has to be an offensive lineman. After losing Tyler Biadasz in free agency, Dallas needs to address the interior.
25. Green Bay Packers: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
Here’s a real surprise in Round 1. Although Joe Alt gets all the hype, Fisher is no joke of a prospect. This is a bit of a reach, but he has the talent to develop into an All-Pro lineman.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
At one point a top ten projected selection, Verse has a bit of a drop. However, he gets to stay close to his final collegiate destination and will compete to fill Shaquil Barrett’s void Day 1.
TRADE ALERT: Arizona trades #27 overall for #44 overall and 2025 2nd-Round selection to Las Vegas
27. Las Vegas Raiders: (via ARI via HOU): Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Las Vegas sneaks back in to Round 1 to get that fifth-year option on Penix. I would love for this to happen. Penix in Vegas just makes too much sense with his style of play and personality. Yes, Penix over Bo Nix.
28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
With the departure of both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, it’s nearly a certainty Buffalo will select a wideout in Round 1. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a trade up, but they stay put in this scenario and get the better Texas pass-catcher in this draft analyst’s opinion.
29. Detroit Lions: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Another player that I wouldn’t be surprised to slide into Round 1. Melton has shot up draft boards with a spectacular combine and pro day, so Detroit takes a flyer.
30. Baltimore Ravens: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Baltimore lost three of their five starters up front, making this pick inevitable. Luckily, this offensive draft class is deep. If not Latham, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson could be the pick here and transition to guard.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Aside from Trent Williams, San Fran doesn’t have any top caliber offensive lineman to protect their stars. Morgan could develop into a Pro Bowl caliber player, with the added insurance of not needing to be a starter right away.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
Is this the year that KC finally gives Mahomes a pass catcher on the first night of the draft? Pair the horrendous play with the Rashee Rice legal situation, it makes sense. Additionally, McConkey being a first round selection is comical.
Key Takeaways
JJ McCarthy at #2 to Commanders
- Washington starts the surprises and passes on Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels
Patriots take MHJ at #3, pass on QB
- No Maye or Daniels to New England
Vikings Trade Up to #4 for Jayden Daniels
- Minnesota swings big for their new QB1
- Start of Drake Maye slide
5 QBs selected in 1st Round: 3 in Top 4, No Nix
- Caleb Williams to Chicago at #1
- JJ McCarthy to Washington at #2
- Jayden Daniels to Minnesota at #4
- Drake Maye to Denver at #12
- Michael Penix Jr. to Las Vegas at #27
- Bo Nix not selected
7 WRs Selected, Texas/LSU with multiple picks
- 5 of Top 11 selections
- LSU — Malik Nabers (#6) & Brian Thomas Jr. (#11)
- Texas — Xavier Worthy (#9) & Adonai Mitchell (#28)
Rutgers Enters Round 1
- Max Melton surprise pick to Detroit at #29
Offensively Dominated Draft
- 21 of 32 selections offensive players
- 8 OTs (Record)
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for my Mock Draft 2.0!
