Travis May 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 has 17 wide receivers selected through first three rounds
The NFL Draft order is nearly set. The Senior Bowl is behind us. The Pro Bowl dodgeball is a wrap. Only the Big Game remains until we have every pick of the 2024 NFL Draft set in erasable marker. It's time for my first official mock draft with A to Z Sports. For this mock […]
The NFL Draft order is nearly set. The Senior Bowl is behind us. The Pro Bowl dodgeball is a wrap. Only the Big Game remains until we have every pick of the 2024 NFL Draft set in erasable marker. It's time for my first official mock draft with A to Z Sports.
For this mock we'll be going through the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. This mock will not include any trades. And yes, many things will change between now and the real NFL Draft, but this mock draft should help highlight some key team needs and top players who will most likely hear their name called early this April.
Round 1
1. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Caleb Williams, QB USC
There should be no doubt that Caleb Williams will be the first overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Sources told our own Destin Adams at the Senior Bowl that the Bears will very likely be selecting Williams. Why? He posted three straight seasons above the 90th percentile in Scheme Adjusted Pass Efficiency (adjusted for pre-snap motion, play action, and average depth of target). Plus he's a Heisman-winning elite playmaker that extends plays, creates something out of nothing, and scored 120 total touchdowns in less than three full seasons of starts.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB LSU
Speaking of Heisman quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels posted perhaps the most efficient college passing season of all-time in 2023 while adding more 1200 yards on the ground. He needs to take less sacks (just like the quarterback he'll be replacing), but that part of his game has been trending in the right direction. Plus his mobility is on Lamar Jackson's level as you can see in this tweet here.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB North Carolina
Drake Maye didn't have the perfect start or finish to his final season, but his breakout 2022 performance where he posted top five pass efficiency numbers across the board combined with his elite NFL-ready tools make him an easy top five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Ohio State
Son of a Hall of Fame great. 6'4", 200+ pounds with elite speed. The only receiver in the last five drafts to post back to back seasons with 3+ receiving yards per team pass attempt, 30%+ of his team's receiving production, 0.25+ EPA per team pass attempt, and a TD scored every 30 team pass attempts. Harrison's truly generational production profile combined with elite on-field skills make him the top receiver prospect in years.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR LSU
First round receivers in back to back drafts may seem odd, but Malik Nabers possesses top tier speed to win in the vertical passing game with route-running abilities to keep the chains moving. He fills a key role the Chargers don't have on the roster.
6. New York Giants: Brock Bowers, TE Georgia
Giants go "best player available" here. Bowers won the John Mackey award for being the best tight end in the nation not once, but twice. He was the most productive tight end in college football history through a player's first three seasons. When you add in elite athleticism you get a bonafide star-in-the-making.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame
The Titans get much-needed offensive line help from the most well-rounded tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft class with first round technique.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, EDGE UCLA
As highlighted during Senior Bowl week, Laiatu Latu is the best pass rusher in the entire draft class. He pressures opposing quarterbacks on over 20% of his pass rush snaps and has the deepest arsenal of moves among all edge defenders in this draft.
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR Washington
The Bears add a weapon for their newly selected quarterback Caleb Williams. Odunze snagged five or more receptions in 14 of Washington's 15 games in 2023, leading all of FBS college football in receiving yards.
10. New York Jets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT Penn State
The Jets could use a receiver, but rather than reach for need they grab a dominant offensive tackle who, according to PFF, didn't allow a single sack in his career.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama
Terrion Arnold led the SEC in interceptions last fall and dominated opposing receivers. He barely allowed a 50% catch rate and less than 11 yards per reception. On top of posting elite production he's still just 20 years old with plenty room to grow. CB1 in this draft.
12. Denver Broncos: Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama
The only edge rusher to post a higher pressure rate in this draft class than Dallas Turner has already been selected. The Broncos have a decent young pass rushing group already, but still finished outside the top 20 in sacks last year. Turner is the franchise edge rusher to take their defense over the top.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT Oregon State
The Raiders have a decent offensive line, but Fuaga locks in top notch play at the right tackle position for five years, which will be important when they actually figure out who their quarterback of the future is going to be.
14. New Orleans Saints: Jer'Zhan Newton, DL Illinois
Jer'Zhan Newton had a better 2022 showing, pressuring quarterbacks better than most elite edge rushers, but even when teams honed in on him last season he still performed well. Best defensive line prospect in the class even if he's a bit undersized.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Wiggins, CB Clemson
Long, athletic, prototype outside cornerback who allowed a catch on just about 40% of his defended targets. He fills a great need for the Colts and may be the best player on the board here.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Jared Verse EDGE, Florida State
Jared Verse started off slow last fall after putting on significant weight to prove he could maintain his athleticism at NFL edge defender size. Once he was used to his new frame he racked up 11 sacks in his final nine games.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cooper DeJean, CB Iowa
DeJean has been special for a long time. He was a four-sport athlete in high school with top tier track speed. Now he's an elite punt returner and shut down cornerback coming of a season with five interceptions and two defensive scores.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT Alabama
Outside of the first halves of the LSU & Texas games, and perhaps the final offensive play of the College Football Playoff semifinal JC Latham played like a top ten pick at right tackle for Alabama. Maybe the Bengals will finally be able to keep Burrow upright now.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Byron Murphy II, DL Texas
Murphy has been gaining some real round one buzz lately, and for good reason. He has an odd build at just 6'1", over 300 pounds, but that didn't stop him from pressuring the quarterback more than any defensive tackle in the nation last year. It wouldn't be a surprise if he is selected before pick 19.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB Alabama
He's more than just a cool nickname. Kool-Aid defended 20 passes in the last two seasons, allowing just 4.3 yards per target for Alabama in that stretch. This pick locks up both outside corner positions for a good while in Pittsburgh.
21. Miami Dolphins: Amarius Mims, OT Georgia
Mims has struggled to stay healthy, but at 6'7", 340 pounds with a near perfect record on pass blocking snaps with zero schematic assistance (as featured in the tweet below), he seems like an incredible value here for the Dolphins.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo
Mitchell was the most dominant cornerback at the Senior Bowl where he answered the "can he play press" question. He also said in multiple interviews that he idolizes Darius Slay, so it would be fitting for them to become teammates.
23. Houston Texans (via CLE): Darius Robinson, DL Missouri
There might not a faster "riser" in the entire 2024 NFL Draft class right now based on conversations I had at the Senior Bowl. Robinson played both edge rusher and interior lineman, but likely shifts inside more in the NFL. Only Murphy (selected at pick 19) has better pass rush pressure numbers among players who project to play defensive line.
24. Dallas Cowboys: T'Vondre Sweat, DL Texas
T'Vondre Sweat weighs over 365 pounds, but is fast and agile enough to win in both run and pass situations lined up in multiple positions along the defensive line. And of course he can place offensive lineman on their backs like in this video below from the Senior Bowl.
25. Green Bay Packers: Kamren Kinchens, S Miami(FL)
Kamren Kinchens plays safety with the range of Antoine Winfield (who he models his game after) but the physicality of a much bigger safety. The Packers could use his versatility.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brian Thomas Jr., WR LSU
If the Buccaneers do end up losing Mike Evans to free agency there isn't a better replacement remaining than Brian Thomas. He led the nation in touchdown receptions last fall and could perhaps be the best deep threat in the class this spring.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Troy Fautanu, OT Washington
Fautanu is perhaps the most consistent at what he does best, protect the passer. He hasn't allowed more than two pressures in a games since Week 5 of 2022. He should start immediately at guard then kick outside to replace Humphries eventually.
28. Buffalo Bills: Troy Franklin, WR Oregon
The Bills need a field stretcher to pair with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis is clearly not it. Troy Franklin is an elite vertical threat who finished top five in both yards per route run and passer rating when targeted this past season. He's one of the most efficient wide receiver prospects in the last few draft cycles.
29. Detroit Lions: Graham Barton, OL Duke
Graham Barton may have played tackle for Duke, but his measurables and skills likely slot him in at guard for the Lions right away given need there and their talent on the outside.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Chop Robinson, EDGE Penn State
The Ravens aren't afraid to invest in edge rushers with elite traits and inconsistent production. Robinson is streaky as a pass rusher, and isn't as technical as his teammate Adisa Isaac (also a likely early pick), but his traits likely get the Ravens to select him if he falls this far.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR Texas
Xavier Worthy posted a true freshman breakout season better than most any in the last decade by the meaningful metrics. There will be some "drops" narrative around him by people who don't understand he played through having a broken hand, but he's the receiver Chiefs fans have been waiting to replace Tyreek Hill.
32. San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Guyton, OT Oklahoma
Guyton is one of the least experienced offensive tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he has perhaps the best natural traits. The 49ers are a well built roster that can take a shot on the player with the highest upside on the board.
Round 2
33. Carolina Panthers: Keon Coleman, WR Florida State
34. New England Patriots: Adonai Mitchell, WR Texas
35. Arizona Cardinals: Kamari Lassiter, CB Georgia
36. Washington Commanders: Chris Braswell, EDGE Alabama
37. Los Angeles Chargers: Leonard Taylor, DL Miami(FL)
38. Tennessee Titans: Bralen Trice, EDGE Washington
39. New York Giants: J.J. McCarthy, QB Michigan
40. Washington Commanders (via CHI): Adisa Isaac, EDGE Penn State
41. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ): Patrick Paul, OT Houston
42. Minnesota Vikings: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C Oregon
43. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr., QB Washington
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Bo Nix, QB Oregon
45. New Orleans Saints (via DEN): Kingsley Suamataia, OT BYU
46. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Nubin, S Minnesota
47. New York Giants (via SEA): Brandon Dorlus, DL Oregon
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Sedrick Van Pran, C Georgia
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE Texas
50. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB Clemson
51. Los Angeles Rams: Edgerrin Cooper, LB Texas A&M
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Frazier, C West Virginia
53. Miami Dolphins: Ennis Rakestraw, CB Missouri
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Ladd McConkey, WR Georgia
55. Cleveland Browns: Jalen McMillan WR, Washington
56. Dallas Cowboys: Braelon Allen, RB Wisconsin
57. Green Bay Packers: Trey Benson, RB Florida State
58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: T.J. Tampa, CB Iowa State
59. Houston Texans: Christian Haynes, OL Connecticut
60. Buffalo Bills: Jordan Morgan, OT Arizona
61. Detroit Lions: Roman Wilson, WR Michigan
62. Baltimore Ravens: Michael Hall Jr., DL Ohio State
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Ruke Orhorhoro DL, Clemson
64. San Francisco 49ers: Javon Bullard, DB Georgia
Round 3
65. Carolina Panthers: Austin Booker, EDGE Kansas
66. Arizona Cardinals: Maason Smith, DL LSU
67. Washington Commanders: James Williams LB/S, Miami(FL)
68. New England Patriots: Kiran Amegadjie, OT Yale
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Blake Corum, RB Michigan
70. New York Giants: Calen Bullock, S USC
71. Arizona Cardinals (via TEN): Kris Jenkins, DL Michigan
72. New York Jets: Devontez Walker, WR North Carolina
73. Detroit Lions (via MIN): Josh Newton, CB TCU
74. Atlanta Falcons: Malachi Corley, WR Western Kentucky
75. Chicago Bears: Caelen Carson, CB Wake Forest
76. Denver Broncos: Kalen King, CB Penn State
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Jonathan Brooks, RB Texas
78. Seattle Seahawks: Cooper Beebe, OL Kansas State
79. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonah Ellis, EDGE Utah
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Burton, WR Alabama
81. Seattle Seahawks (via NO): Braden Fiske, DL Florida State
82. Indianapolis Colts: Christian Mahogany, OL Boston College
83. Los Angeles Rams: DJ James, CB Auburn
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Xavier Legette, WR South Carolina
85. Houston Texans (via PHI): Ben Sinnott, TE Kansas State
86. Cleveland Browns: Sione Vaki, S Utah
87. Dallas Cowboys: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR Washington
88. Green Bay Packers: McKinnley Jackson, DL Texas A&M
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zak Zinter, OL Michigan
90. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Junior Colson, LB Michigan
91. Green Bay Packers (via BUF): Kris Abrams-Draine, CB Missouri
92. Detroit Lions: Gabriel Murphy, EDGE UCLA
93. Baltimore Ravens: Bucky Irving, RB Oregon
94. Kansas City Chiefs: Payton Wilson, LB NC State
95. San Francisco 49ers: Jaheim Bell, TE Florida State
96. Jacksonville Jaguars: Beau Brade, S Maryland
97. Philadelphia Eagles: MarShawn Lloyd, RB USC
98. San Francisco 49ers: Jarvis Brownlee, CB Louisville
99. Buffalo Bills: Cole Bishop, S Utah
100. Washington Commanders: Johnny Wilson, WR/TE Florida State
Three rounds is as far as we'll go for now, but expect more like this from A to Z as NFL Draft season starts heating up. And in the meantime, enjoy the Biggest Winners & Losers of the Senior bowl video below with A to Z Film Room!
