If we've learned anything about the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, it's that it will be surprising. But it's still fun to guess how it might go. Here's our best guess:
1. The Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers) are expected to select QB Caleb Williams. Bears: For a long time, it seemed like Williams to Chicago was an obvious choice. The Bears will make it official on Thursday night, getting one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects in years.
2. The Washington Commanders will pick QB Jayden Daniels from LSU: With new ownership and coach, the Commanders are starting a new era for the organization by drafting a quarterback. Daniels is a dynamic talent who can defeat opponents with his arm and legs.
3. The New England Patriots will select QB Drake Maye from North Carolina: The Patriots will consider a few trade offers, but ultimately, they will stay put and address the most important position on the field.
4. The Arizona Cardinals are taking WR Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State: The Cardinals might be tempted to trade back, but it's hard to resist the idea of adding perhaps the best overall player in the draft. Kyler Murray will have a new top wide receiver.
5. The Minnesota Vikings (via L.A. Chargers) are deciding on QB J.J. McCarthy from Michigan: The Vikings are giving up the Nos. 11 and 23 overall picks to get Kirk Cousins’ successor. McCarthy is stepping into a great situation with receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
6. The New York Giants are choosing WR Malik Nabers from LSU: The Giants really need a playmaker on offense. Nabers finished his career at LSU as the program’s all-time leader in receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003).
7. The Tennessee Titans will take OT Joe Alt from Notre Dame: After signing center Lloyd Cushenberry III in March, the Titans continue to strengthen their offensive line with the best tackle prospect in this year’s class.
8. The Atlanta Falcons will select EDGE Dallas Turner from Alabama: The Falcons are addressing their biggest need by picking Turner, who recorded 22.5 sacks in three seasons with the Crimson Tide.
9. The Chicago Bears will choose WR Rome Odunze from Washington: Chicago is giving its new franchise quarterback another weapon. Odunze was one of the top receivers in the country in 2023 with 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns.
10. The New York Jets will pick OT Olu Fashanu from Penn State: With Morgan Moses, 33, and Tyron Smith, 34, on one-year deals, the Jets are trying to find a long-term answer at tackle. The 2023 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year can make an immediate impact.
11. The L.A. Chargers (via Vikings) will select OT JC Latham from Alabama: New coach Jim Harbaugh values offensive linemen. Latham is a fierce run blocker and fits what the Chargers are trying to do on offense.
12. The Denver Broncos will pick TE Brock Bowers from Georgia: Denver could trade back and get more picks, but they will rely on taking the best available talent. Bowers could be a dynamic pass-catching threat for years to come.
13. The Las Vegas Raiders are going to pick QB Michael Penix Jr. from Washington: Penix’s injury history is concerning. But after he threw for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns in two seasons with Washington, the Raiders will take the risk.
14. New Orleans Saints — Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga is chosen as an offensive tackle by the Saints with the aim of improving their offensive line. The Saints select Fuaga with the expectation of enhancing their offensive line. Fuaga's outstanding performance in 2023, during which he did not allow a single sack in 351 pass-blocking snaps, earned him the title of second-team All-American by the Associated Press. as reported by Pro Football Focus.
15. Indianapolis Colts — Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo is picked by the Colts as a cornerback. Mitchell’s size, speed, and ball skills are expected to strengthen the Colts’ secondary. He showcased his abilities by achieving 18 passes defended in 2023 and running the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds during the combine.
16. Seattle Seahawks — Washington's Troy Fautanu is selected by the Seahawks as an offensive tackle. Fautanu reunites with former Huskies offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and the Seahawks value his flexibility in playing either left tackle or guard.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars — Alabama's Terrion Arnold is chosen as a cornerback by the Jaguars. The Jaguars are in need of an upgrade at cornerback, and Arnold's versatility in playing both inside and outside positions makes him a valuable addition.
18. Cincinnati Bengals — Georgia's Amarius Mims is picked as an offensive tackle by the Bengals. The Bengals prioritize protecting quarterback Joe Burrow, and Mims, a one-year starter at Georgia, is viewed as having the potential and tools to become a high-quality starter.
19. Los Angeles Rams — UCLA's Laiatu Latu is selected as an edge player by the Rams. The Rams pair Latu with Byron Young to form a young pass-rushing duo, capitalizing on Latu's impressive 23.5 sacks in the last two seasons with the Bruins.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers — Duke's Graham Barton is chosen as an offensive lineman by the Steelers. Barton, who served as the starting left tackle for the past three years, is projected to transition to guard or center, having played 430 snaps at center in 2020, according to PFF. as reported by PFF.
21. Miami Dolphins — Texas' Byron Murphy II is selected by Miami as a defensive tackle. After losing Christian Wilkins in free agency, Miami opts for Murphy, who is recognized for his disruptive presence as an interior defender against both the pass and the run.
22. Philadelphia Eagles — Clemson's Nate Wiggins is chosen by the Eagles as a cornerback. The Eagles value Wiggins’ speed and abilities as a one-on-one cover corner, as evident from his impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.28 seconds and a 43.9% completion percentage when targeted, as reported by PFF.
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28. Buffalo Bills — WR Adonai Mitchell from Texas gives a boost to the Bills’ receiving group. In his one season with the Longhorns, he made 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. Mitchell gives the Bills’ receiver room a boost. In his lone season with the Longhorns, he caught 55 passes for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns.
29. Detroit Lions — EDGE Chop Robinson from Penn State has exceptional speed and explosiveness. In 2023, he started in 10 games, totaling 15 tackles, four sacks, and a pass-rush win rate of 20.9%, according to PFF. Robinson has exceptional speed and explosiveness. In 2023, he started in 10 games, totaling 15 tackles, four sacks and a pass-rush win rate of 20.9%, according to PFF. according to PFF. If the Maryland native continues to develop, he has a chance to become a dynamic pass rusher for the Lions.
30. Baltimore Ravens — OT Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma. After losing three starting offensive linemen this offseason, protecting 2-time MVP Lamar Jackson should be a priority. Guyton has only started 14 career games at offensive tackle, but he has the potential to become a high-level pass protector at either tackle spot. Protecting 2-time MVP Lamar Jackson should be a priority after losing three starting offensive linemen this offseason. Guyton only started 14 career games at offensive tackle. Still, he can become a high-level pass protector at either tackle spot.
31. San Francisco 49ers — CB Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama. San Francisco picks up one of the nation’s best cornerbacks. McKinstry collected 23 passes defended in his last two seasons with the Crimson Tide. San Francisco picks up one of the nation’s best cornerbacks. McKinstry collected 23 passes defended in his last two seasons with the Crimson Tide.
32. Kansas City Chiefs — WR Ladd McConkey would be a reliable target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He brings inside-and-out versatility, as he played 70.3% of his career snaps on the outside and 29.6% in the slot, according to PFF. McConkey would be a reliable target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He brings inside-and-out versatility, as he played 70.3% of his career snaps on the outside and 29.6% in the slot, according to PFF. according to PFF.
