Joe DeLeone's 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
1. Chicago Bears | Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Bears are presented with a favorable opportunity to either trade the first overall pick or move Justin Fields for a third first-round selection. If they do choose to move on from Fields, they can build a strong foundation with a potential star at quarterback in Caleb Willaims. Williams is a rare athlete for the position, with elite freelancing abilities. As this roster continues to improve, Williams can provide an early spark similar to what CJ Stroud accomplished for the Texans.
2. New England Patriots | Drake Maye, QB, UNC
We could be witnessing a complete restart for the first time in decades for the Patriots this offseason. Even if Belichick is still calling the shots, Mac Jones hasn’t played anywhere near competent enough to be a starter in the NFL. Drake Maye presents the Patriots with the opportunity to build around a Justin Herbert-type prospect who has the makeup of a long-term franchise QB in the NFL.
3. Arizona Cardinals | Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State
While many predicted the Cardinals to move on from Kyler Murray, the Cardinals need to effectively build around their very talented, young playmaker. As they’ve bolstered their offensive line, it’s now time to get Murray an elite weapon. Marvin Harrison Jr. has All-Pro ability and can be a 1,000-yard guy right from the jump.
4. Washington Commanders | Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Commanders’ future at quarterback feels solidified with Sam Howell playing way above his draft value as a former Day 3 pick. Protecting him will be critical for their success, and Joe Alt from Notre Dame can do that at a very high level. The massive tackle has rare flexibility for the position, making him a potential All-Pro throughout his career in Washington.
5. Chicago Bears | Keon Coleman, WR, FSU
After selecting the QB of their future, the Bears have the perfect opportunity to secure him an additional weapon to develop with. DJ Moore has been phenomenal in his first year in Chicago, but he could use a running mate of a different style. Coleman is a true X receiver, with a massive frame and capability to dominate in contested catch situations. By drafting the FSU star, the Bears will have an explosive, young offense in 2024.
6. New York Jets | Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
With Aaron Rodgers returning to the lineup in 2024, they’ll need to do a significantly better job of protecting him in order to reach the playoffs as they had hoped at the start of 2023. Taliese Fuaga is a mauling right tackle who would create a massive and physical identity for the Jets. Fuaga opposite Mekhi Becton is very scary to think of.
7. New York Giants | Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Because the Giants are financially tied to Daniel Jones, starting over at quarterback is likely off the table. As they’ve invested in the offensive line, they desperately need to add receivers of magnitude. Malik Nabers has shades of Odell Beckham Jr. in his game and can be an immediate go-to option for Danny Dimes in his rookie year.
8. Los Angeles Chargers | Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
As the Chargers transition to a new era, they need to look to get younger on the defensive side of the football. With so much being invested in building around Justin Herbert, the defense, and particularly the secondary has been neglected. Nate Wiggins is a long and fluid corner who will capably be able to slow down the talented receivers in the AFC West.
9. Tennessee Titans | Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Will Levis seems to have answered the Titans' need for a young quarterback of the future, and adding toys for him to throw to will be important for their turnaround. Brock Bowers is one of the most talented tight-end prospects ever and can be a consistent option for Levis early in his career.
10. Atlanta Falcons | Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Desmond Ridder experiment failed miserably, and the future of the Falcons is dependent on drafting a first-round quarterback. Heisman trophy winner Jayden Daniels provides Atlanta with a serious dual-threat at quarterback and significantly elevates their offense from the jump.
11. Green Bay Packers | Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Without David Bakhtiari, the Packers offensive line looked abysmal in 2023. Not spending early draft capital in past drafts on the offensive line has hindered their performance. Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu is exactly who they need to boost the quality of the unit.
12. Las Vegas Raiders | Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
The Raiders are back to the drawing board with no real plan at quarterback solidified. While Aidan O’connell has played decently given the circumstances, Bo Nix can supply an experienced older presence, but an injection of youth to the offense.
13. Seattle Seahawks | Jared Verse, EDGE, FSU
Seattle has an exciting young core on defense but is seriously lacking pass-rushing talent to round out the unit. Jared Verse is an explosive and powerful EDGE prospect, who can add early production to their defensive line.
14. New Orleans Saints | Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Currently, the Saints have only mustered a measly 30-team sacks in 2023. Safe to say, they desperately need pass rushers. While they just missed out on Verse, selecting a technician in Laiatu Latu will solve a lot of their pass-rushing problems.
15. Denver Broncos | Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Denver Broncos were forced to start from scratch defensively, shipping off multiple pieces in the past few years. Their secondary has struggled tremendously this season, and selecting another former Alabama defensive back in Kool-aid McKinstry can significantly bolster a group that is in the bottom eight in pass yards allowed.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers | Troy Fautanu, G/T, Washington
Drafting Broderick Jones in 2023 last season was a significant boost to an aging offensive line. However, the Steelers badly need to keep building the unit if they want to improve offensively. Troy Fautanu offers versatility for the Steelers if they feel they need him at guard or tackle next season.
17. Arizona Cardinals | Kalen King, CB, Penn State
With the selection of a receiver with the third overall pick, the Cardinals can comfortably strengthen their defense with their second first-rounder. Kalen King has flashed potential of being a star corner while at Penn State. Adding him to the secondary can help their defensive-minded coach build their squad.
18. Buffalo Bills | Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Outside of Stefon Diggs, who does Josh Allen really have to throw the ball to? Allen needs help to alleviate the amount of turnovers he produces. Allen could use a field stretching, vertical threat like Rome Odunze to add to the offense.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Buccaneers' roster has been progressively aging since their Super Bowl run, especially along their defensive line. Shaq Barrett’s production has dropped significantly, signaling it’s time to add some juice to the group. Dallas Turner is freakishly explosive, and can eventually develop into a highly productive pass rusher in the NFL.
20. Minnesota Vikings | Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Minnesota’s season was derailed heavily by the loss of Kirk Cousins midway through the year. Offensively, there weren’t many holes needing to be addressed except for running back. With no backs on the board worthy of a pick this high and so much talent on Day 2, drafting a freakish athlete from the Midwest in Cooper DeJean will boost their secondary and return game.
21. Los Angeles Rams | JC Latham, OT, Alabama
It feels like for years the Rams have failed to fortify their offensive line. Now that they finally have some early draft picks again, they need to use their first-round pick on an offensive tackle to protect Matthew Stafford. JC Latham had a very strong finish to the season for Alabama and can become a premiere tackle in the league thanks to his size and rare movement ability.
22. Indianapolis Colts | Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
While they’ve been successful without Anthony Richardson, losing their future star quarterback left many wondering what the young signal-caller can add in 2024. Avoiding further injury fears for Richardson is crucial, so adding a plug-and-play starter in Amarius Mims is a must. While the Georgia Bulldog didn’t play much this year, when he did he significantly improved his team’s offensive production.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars | Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
There are a lot of what-ifs for the Jaguars and budding star Trevor Lawrence. While there has been investment in adding weapons on offense, it feels like Lawrence could use one more receiver to become lethal. Adonai Mitchell was a very dangerous deep threat for Texas in 2023, and he can instill fear into NFL secondaries.
24. Cincinnati Bengals | Jordan Morgan, G, Arizona
With Joe Burrow’s lack of availability and growing injury history, the Bengals must add more protection for him. Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan can make an immediate bump inside to guard, and strengthen the interior of the Bengals O-line.
25. Kansas City Chiefs | Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Since trading Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs have struggled mightily to find their go-to option in the receiver room. While Emeka Egbuka had a down year, he still has the five-star traits to blossom in a pass-happy offense with an elite quarterback delivering him the football.
26. Houston Texans | Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Early success for the Houston Texans and CJ Stroud has been amazing to follow this season. To take that next step, the Texans will need to keep adding to their young and dominant defense. Incorporating Bralen Trice to play opposite of Will Anderson will create a formidable duo in the AFC South.
27. Dallas Cowboys | Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
The Cowboys are a tough team to truly project a need because of how well-rounded their roster is. With teams that have premiere players at multiple positions, drafting secondary pieces is always a positive move. The big-bodied Tyler Nubin could potentially start as a rookie for an already stellar Cowboys defense.
28. Detroit Lions | Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Is there a more perfect fit for the gritty Dan Campbell than boosting their defensive line with an interior menace like Jer’Zhan Newton? The highly disruptive defensive tackle was a problem for Big Ten offensive lines this year, and he could be the final piece to take the Lions' defense from formidable to elite.
29. Miami Dolphins | Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
It’s been a struggle for the Dolphins to figure out the right pieces on their offensive line over the past few seasons. They currently have Liam Eichenberg playing out of position at center and desperately need to add a more natural player. Jackson Powers-Johnson was widely considered to be the best center in college football this year, increasing the floor of the unit for 2024.
30. Philadelphia Eagles | Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Eagles' secondary has held them back in spurts from playing more consistently against top opponents in the NFL. As James Bradberry appears to regress, it’s time to add a first-round-caliber player to the group. Alabama’s Terrion Arnold was lock-down throughout the year in 2023 and can start immediately for Philadelphia.
31. San Francisco 49ers | McKinnley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M
The 49ers have invested a lot in their pass-rushing unit but could use some new faces in their interior. McKinley Jackson is a very twitchy and powerful interior defensive lineman who will divert attention away from Chase Young and Nick Bosa.
32. Baltimore Ravens | Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
The emergence of Keaton Mitchell has added a spark to the Ravens' run game. While Mitchell will continue to be an integral offensive weapon, picking a three-down home run threat like Trey Benson can make Baltimore’s offense impossible to keep up with. Benson’s vision and burst alongside Lamar Jackson’s playmaking ability is frightening to fathom.
You can hear more from Joe on The First Team podcast, where he is joined by Matt Simms and Ryan Roberts weekly.
