2024 NFL Mock Draft: Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr. to Bears; Broncos nab Drake Maye

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr. to Bears; Broncos nab Drake Maye

Nick Baumgardner and Diante Lee
Oct 18, 2023

Read the latest 2024 NFL mock draft from The Athletic’s draft expert, Dane Brugler

The 2024 NFL Draft looks like it’ll be loaded at the top with elite talent, including a couple of highly coveted quarterbacks. As the college football season hits its midpoint (and the NFL shifts into Week 7), we take a look at how Round 1 might play out in April.

(Note: The following draft order has been set using Austin Mock’s NFL projections model.)

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1. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Of course, there is a scenario where Chicago sticks with Justin Fields and trades down (we’re not making trades here). Perhaps more likely is the Bears fire their current coaching staff and start over after another lost year. If that happens, our money’s on them giving the new staff its own QB rather than sticking with Fields — a talented quarterback, but one who’s in need of a reset. — Nick Baumgardner

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2. Arizona Cardinals: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Although Fashanu might have been the top-ranked offensive tackle in the 2023 draft had he turned pro, he’s still one of the younger blue-chip talents in this year’s class. Fashanu checks all the physical boxes with his length and 6-foot-6 frame. He has the athletic ability to thrive in any run-blocking scheme or in one-on-one matchups with edge rushers. I’d love to see him paired up with Paris Johnson Jr. as Arizona’s new regime tries to rebuild. — Diante Lee

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3. Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

The Bears could have a generational opportunity in front of them, especially if they land two picks in the top three. We’ve already covered our reasoning for restarting with Williams, so it doesn’t take a scientist to figure out why pairing the QB prospect with easily the best WR in this class — and arguably the top prospect overall — would be the way to go. — Baumgardner

4. Denver Broncos: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Sean Payton and the Broncos could breathe a major sigh of relief in this scenario, as landing Maye would give the Denver offense a young signal-caller with the traits and tools necessary to maximize the offensive talent Denver has. Maye is the kind of blue-chip QB that would be considered the top prospect in most classes — and he still should be in that conversation, even up against Williams. He could be a franchise-changing player. — Lee

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5. New York Giants: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

The Giants need to continue working on their roster’s durability, depth and general talent in the trenches. Adding a player like Mims — a crazy blend of length and speed at 6-foot-7, 330 pounds — would make that task a lot easier. Counting Evan Neal, who could kick inside to guard, and Andrew Thomas, the Giants would have three keepers to build around up front. — Baumgardner

6. New England Patriots: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

Verse would be the most talented edge rusher drafted by the Patriots since Willie McGinest in the mid-1990s. He has the speed, motor, versatility and size to toggle between even and odd fronts — something we know Bill Belichick values. His opponents are doing everything in their power to keep him from affecting the game, but he’s been good as a run defender, and his gravity has created opportunity for his teammates to thrive. — Lee

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7. Washington Commanders: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Alabama has struggled to keep its quarterback upright all season, but don’t blame Latham, whose play has been as strong as ever. At the midway point of the season, Latham has allowed just one sack and four total pressures — his ceiling is high as a pass protector. He has the ability to play either tackle spot and enough athleticism to meet the high demands of blocking NFC East pass rushers. Washington needs to restructure its offensive line in a way that better fits the vision of OC Eric Bienemy. — Lee

8. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Despite an upset of Philadelphia and a 3-3 record, our model doesn’t see the Jets figuring it all the way out this season without Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers is indeed back and ready to roll next year, though, why not hand him (and WR Garrett Wilson) the best college tight end we’ve seen in at least a decade — perhaps longer. All gas, no brakes, right? — Baumgardner

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9. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

A year after Peter Skoronski fell into their laps, the Titans could continue their offensive line project with one of the most athletic big men in this year’s class. Alt has been terrific in protection and as a run blocker for Notre Dame this season. Playing him next to or opposite Skoronski — and in front of RB Derrick Henry — could be great. — Baumgardner

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10. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

There’s potentially an intriguing world awaiting a young quarterback in Minnesota — WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and TE T.J. Hockenson as pass-catching weapons, OT Christian Darrisaw blocking for you. McCarthy currently leads all FBS passers (minimum 100 snaps) in EPA per dropback. Despite playing in Michigan’s run-heavy attack, his efficiency also has been very consistent outside of one poor showing. Oh, and he’s still just 20 years old. — Baumgardner

11. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Grabbing Joey Porter Jr. in the 2023 draft was a strong start, but this Steelers defense still needs to add depth and talent to its secondary. McKinstry has the kind of arm length and speed needed to play on the outside in a heavy man/single-high scheme. He tracks the ball well enough in the air to produce in 50-50 situations and will tackle consistently on the perimeter. — Lee

12. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

We’ve got the Cardinals eying a long-term build and waiting on a new QB while the Kyler Murray situation plays itself out. It’s hard to argue with the value Arizona has added here, though, even if it’s not at quarterback. Wiggins’ blend of length and vertical speed is exactly what you want from a young corner. — Baumgardner

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

Personally, I think Turner is the best defensive player in the class — but, at 250 pounds (or lighter), he won’t be everyone’s favorite edge. Las Vegas could use some more juice up front, though, and a speed rusher like Turner would be a great change of pace from the high motor Maxx Crosby brings. Turner’s growth as a run defender has been impressive, and he’s made significant plays in each of Alabama’s wins. — Lee

14. Indianapolis Colts: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

WIth Indianapolis holding onto Jonathan Taylor, it’s time for the Colts to add more playmakers at receiver. A versatile threat like Nabers would be an ideal piece for Shane Steichen’s offense. Whether on jet sweeps, screens or deep down the field, Nabers can win against one-on-one coverage and create after the catch. QB Anthony Richardson having at least one go-to threat next season would open up this offense significantly. —Lee

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15. Atlanta Falcons: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

The Falcons have way too much good, young talent to go another year down the road with only Desmond Ridder. If Atlanta wants to draft a QB and put him in a competition with Ridder, so be it, but something has to happen there. Ewers, who could well be QB3 on a lot of draft boards this April, would reunite with former Texas teammate Bijan Robinson. — Baumgardner

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

Between the prospect’s athletic profile and the team’s roster-building priorities, this is an easy marriage to predict. Tuimoloau is still a bit raw, but his hand-fighting ability and quick feet portend to a high-level edge defender. With three sacks and 20 pressures in 2023, it feels like he’s turning a corner. Tampa Bay has been looking for more of a pass-rush presence since it won the Super Bowl in 2020. — Lee

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17. Los Angeles Rams: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

Wide receiver was tempting here. However, Les Snead has been outstanding historically at finding receiver value later in the draft. (Rookie Puka Nacua isn’t the only example). Instead, the Rams could add one of the longest humans on the planet to hold down the left side of their line. Through six games this season, Paul hasn’t allowed a sack, hurry, pressure or QB hit. — Baumgardner

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Kalen King, CB, Penn State

King is the kind of corner you love to have, and hate to play against. His athleticism and aggressiveness when the ball is in the air are why he’s been so productive (24 career passes defended). Now that the aforementioned Porter is out of the way, King is receiving the same kind of respect Porter once saw — offenses don’t look to throw his way. Cincinnati has built its defense around playmakers just like King in the secondary. — Lee

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19. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

One of our favorite players in this class, regardless of position. DeJean is a ball-hawking, speed-burning corner who also has safety skills and could be an asset in the return game. He’s another plus-defender from Iowa and could check multiple boxes for the Packers. — Baumgardner

20. Seattle Seahawks: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

If positional value wasn’t such a major consideration here, Seattle likely would be penciled in for an interior defender like Jer’Zhan Newton. But Robinson has explosive potential, and the Seahawks are just as much in need of edge-rushing help as they are impact players inside. Robinson’s violent get-off would stand out among a Seattle edge rotation that’s full of useful role players but has no other difference-makers. — Lee

21. Houston Texans (via CLE): Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

This might be too low in Round 1 for Coleman. It’s hard to say, as his time at Michigan State was more flash than consistency, but this season’s performance after a transfer to Florida State has been head-turning. He’s a first-round talent, it’s just a matter of where he lands. C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins and Tank Dell would have fun playing alongside him. — Baumgardner

22. New Orleans Saints: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

Sanders is a versatile receiving threat that can fit any role in a passing game. Underneath, he can take checkdowns and break tackles to gain hidden yardage. As an intermediate route runner, he has the agility to get separation at the top of the route, and enough size to body up defenders and win at the chains. Downfield, he’s a legitimate threat on 50-50 balls. Sanders is still working on his consistency, but he could thrive with all of New Orleans’ speed around him. — Lee

23. Los Angeles Chargers: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Latu is PFF’s highest-rated defender in college football through six games (29 pressures and a 23.3-percent win rate). There are injury concerns from Latu’s past — he briefly retired because of a neck injury — but his production when healthy has been undeniable. He’s not the explosive athlete the edges at the top of the board are, but he’s a first-round pass rusher in this class if the medicals check out. — Baumgardner

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24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

Jacksonville’s defense seems to be in a good place right now, but its defensive front still could use a twitchy guy to push pockets and penetrate against the run. Newton wouldn’t eat double teams and still make plays on a consistent basis, but he could be a problem as a big three-technique or quick-footed nose in a bear front. With 25 pressures already this season, Newton is the best interior defensive lineman in the country. — Lee

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25. Baltimore Ravens: Josh Newton, CB, TCU

A veteran with press-coverage skills and no fear living on an island — sounds like a Baltimore Raven if ever there was one. Newton has forced seven incompletions and registered four pass breakups so far this season. — Baumgardner

26. Detroit Lions: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

Lassiter is a well-balanced coverage player and would fit within Detroit’s new defensive approach. As a zone defender, Lassiter changes directions and closes on the ball quickly, and he secures tackles well enough to allow a coordinator to be creative with his usage. He’s not as consistent in his technique or production in press-man situations, but he’s also not a liability. Expect him to be an ideal No. 2 corner at the next level. — Lee

27. Buffalo Bills: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Bills were able to give Josh Allen some underneath help last season by drafting TE Dalton Kincaid, but Egbuka is the type of route runner who can bail out a quarterback when things go off-script. Washington’s Rome Odunze could be another candidate here. — Baumgardner

28. Dallas Cowboys: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has built a defense that feels like a combination of his groups in Seattle and Atlanta: speed on the back end, relentless pass rush up front. Kinchens would fit right in as a ball-hawking, man-hunting safety that loves to play in the middle of the field. He forced six turnovers last year and had a pick to open the season against Texas A&M. When he’s healthy, he’s a playmaker in coverage who also likes to show up as an enforcer in the run game. — Lee

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29. Philadelphia Eagles: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. is the current Heisman favorite, and Odunze is a massive reason why. He leads all FBS receivers (minimum 25 catches) in explosive-play percentage (36.2 percent). He’s also ranks No. 2 in first downs or touchdowns per play (60.3 percent). — Baumgardner

30. Miami Dolphins: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

With it seemingly inevitable that Terron Armstead will miss multiple games each year due to injury, Miami needs to have long-term contingency plans in place. Enter Suamataia, who has a nastiness in the run game that Mike McDaniel would welcome, plus the athletic ability to pull or get to the second level in outside zone. Suamataia has allowed only a half-dozen pressures (and no sacks) this season, and he’s still not a finished product. — Lee

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31. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

A long, versatile tackle who can run like a tight end, Guyton could fill a few different roles for Kansas City. The Sooners’ offensive line deserves a lot of credit for Oklahoma’s turnaround this season, and Guyton is right at the forefront of that charge. — Baumgardner

32. San Francisco 49ers: Zak Zinter, G/C, Michigan

San Francisco has built and maintained its incredibly efficient offense without having elite O-line talent (save for Trent Williams). Because the 49ers almost always find themselves at the back end of the draft these days, building long-term health for that unit means finding versatile players with strong athletic profiles. Zinter fits. He has effectively played every spot along Michigan’s line — and played them well. He’s allowed just one pressure in 2023, and he has the agility and speed to fit right into a zone-heavy scheme. — Lee

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(Illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic; photos: Michael Reaves, Katelyn Mulcahy, G Fiume / Getty Images)

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