FanNation NFL Mock Draft 2024: Five QBs Taken in Top 12

One of the top signal-callers will still be on the board at the start of the second round. Plus, seven receivers and several offensive and defensive lineman are selected in the first round.

Williams is expected to go to the Bears with the first pick in the NFL draft. / Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

We’re less than a week out from the 2024 NFL draft, and the first round could be a quarterback and wide receiver palooza.

While the top pick is basically etched in stone with the Chicago Bears preparing to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams, we could see three more quarterbacks go in the top 10, possibly with the first four picks, which has never happened. 

So FanNation publishers conducted their own mock draft, with five quarterbacks coming off the board with the first 12 picks. We also had a run of three straight receivers getting picked.

So let’s get to the mock madness.

1. Chicago Bears | Caleb Williams, QB, USC

At last, a chance for a 4,000-yard Bears passer. Normally, Chicago would be celebrating a 3,000-yard passer. As long as the Bears can rein in Williams’s habit of going off-script on pass plays and get him to protect the football better than he did at USC, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron could be running the Bears’ best offense since the Marc Trestman era. — Gene Chamberlain, BearDigest 

2. Washington Commanders | Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

The Washington Commanders have a clear need at quarterback so the question isn't where they are going at No. 2, but who they are going with.Without a blow-you-away trade offer on the table, the option to stick-and-pick is an easy one to take and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels fits the bill as the new future of the franchise for the Commanders.Besides being superbly talented Daniels fits the aggressive and big-play ability that coach Dan Quinn is looking for, and is the exact style of quarterback we've seen offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury fall in love with previously — David Harrison, CommanderGameday

3. New England Patriots | Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

If the Patriots don't trade their pick, Maye could be the choice. / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots could have parlayed their draft position into a bunch of picks to rebuild the roster post-Bill Belichick, but the need at quarterback is too pressing. New England lands one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the class in Maye, whose upside is definitely of franchise-caliber. — Chad Jensen, Patriots Country

4. Arizona Cardinals | Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

The Cardinals approach the 2024 NFL Draft with one major hole to fill in acquiring a top-flight wide receiver for Kyler Murray. Marvin Harrison Jr. fits the bill as one of the best pass-catchers in recent history emerging out of the college ranks and can transform Arizona’s offense overnight. — Donnie Druin, All Cardinals

5. Los Angeles Chargers | Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Nabers is the second-best pass catcher in the draft, and some might view him as more talented than Harrison. With the Chargers losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen in free agency, Nabers can come in and be a dynamic Day 1 starter for Justin Herbert. Nabers can also create space for last year’s first-round pick Quentin Johnston to secure an over-the-middle pass, resulting in some chunk yardage after the catch. — James Brizuela, Charger Report

6. New York Giants | Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

The Giants haven’t had a legitimate WR1 since trading Odell Beckham Jr., who ironically was their last 1,000-yard receiver. With New York looking to become more vertical and improve on its last-place ranking in explosive plays last season, Odunze has the skill set to take the Giants’ offense to the next level. Boasting an impressive 75% contested catch rate, Odunze is the kind of receiver who, if the quarterback can get the ball into his hands, is all but sure to come up with the catch. — Patricia Traina, Giants Country

7. Tennessee Titans |  Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame 

The Titans need a tackle, and Joe Alt is the best one available. They expect Alt to be a Day 1 starter and provide the necessary blindside protection for second-year quarterback Will Levis. The Titans made moves in free agency to strengthen the team around Levis, including acquiring wide receiver Calvin Ridley and running back Tony Pollard. Alt had a Pro Football Focus grade of 90.7 last season and 91.4 the previous season. In 2023, he allowed only one sack, two quarterback hits, and two hurries on 368 passing snaps. — Nubyjas Wilborn, All Titans

8. Atlanta Falcons | Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

Turner had 10 sacks for the Crimson Tide in 2023. / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons’ pass rush has been a sore spot for years. The right edge hasn’t been available in the last three drafts despite consecutive top-10 picks. With Harrison, Nabers and Odunze off the board, this is an easy choice. Turner is arguably the best prospect available, filling the Falcons’ biggest need. — Scott Kennedy, All Falcons

9. Chicago Bears | Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

The best available edge rusher is the pick here and in a real draft it would be after a trade back. The Bears had only 30 sacks despite Montez Sweat playing half of the 2023 season, so they need to get more pressure on the quarterback. Verse also fits the scheme as an edge capable of defending the run. — Gene Chamberlain, BearDigest   

10. New York Jets | Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

Plenty of mock drafts have had the Jets taking an offensive lineman to protect Aaron Rodgers. Fautanu gives New York a legitimate Day 1 starter and should boost the profile of this offensive line unit, which gave up the third-most sacks in 2023. — Brad Wakai, Jets Country

11. Minnesota Vikings | J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan 

In the real world, McCarthy probably doesn’t fall this far. But in a mock draft with no trades, he just had to make it past the Giants to get here. The Vikings would be thrilled to land McCarthy without giving up any extra draft assets. He has the athleticism, arm talent and toughness to be Minnesota’s quarterback of the future, even if he sits behind Sam Darnold to start his rookie season. — Will Ragatz, Inside the Vikings

12. Denver Broncos | Bo Nix, QB, Oregon 

Nix would be the first quarterback drafted by Sean Payton in the first round. / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

There’s no more pressing need—not defensive line, not cornerback—than the most important position in team sports. Without the ability to move up, Sean Payton lands a quarterback who arguably best fits his system, a la the antithesis of Russell Wilson. Nix’s super processing and the ability to stay on schedule make him a good bet to push, if not outright leapfrog, Jarrett Stidham for the Week 1 starting job. — Zack Kelberman, Mile High Huddle

13. Las Vegas Raiders | Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

The Raiders could take Michael Penix Jr. here to compete with Aidan O’Connell. But with Jermaine Eluemunor signing with the Giants in free agency, the more immediate need is on the offense line. Fuaga would be an immediate starter, helping solidify the line and the development of O’Connell. The second-team All-American played 700 snaps for the Beavers without allowing a sack. — Hondo Carpenter, Raiders Today

14. New Orleans Saints | Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

New Orleans must solidify the offensive line after failing to re-sign longtime offensive lineman Andrus Peat.  The unsteady performance of former first-round pick LT Trevor Penning and RT Ryan Ramczyk’s lingering knee issues will allow Olu Fashanu to become a Week 1 starter.   His size and length (6-6 and 317 pounds) and his impressive play in the Big 10 make him a great addition to the Saints’ offensive line for protecting QB Derek Carr. — Kyle T. Mosley, Saints News Network

15. Indianapolis Colts | Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Bowers would give the Colts another weapon for last year's first-rounder Richardson. / Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Colts need explosive playmaking on offense, which would be best suited coming from an outside receiver, but Bowers is too good to pass up here. A head coach such as Shane Steichen is a perfect fit to use Bowers like the Swiss-Army knife that he is, and he gives Anthony Richardson another reliable weapon to aid in his development as the franchise quarterback. — Jake Arthur, Horseshoe Huddle

16. Seattle Seahawks | Jackson Powers-Johnson, G/C, Oregon

After losing former starters Damien Lewis and Evan Brown in free agency, Seattle bolsters the middle of its offensive line with an athletic, punishing blocker in Powers-Johnson. The former Oregon standout should jump right into the starting lineup at either guard or center on Day 1. Aside from being an effective run blocker in zone and gap concepts, he allowed only one pressure last season, which would make Geno Smith a happy camper in the pocket.
—Corbin Smith, All Seahawks

17. Jacksonville Jaguars | Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Jaguars land arguably the top corner in the draft, giving them a legit tandem along with Tyson Campbell. The Jaguars also signed Ronald Darby to a short and cheap deal in free agency, so the addition of Mitchell gives them three legit cornerbacks on the outside, a significant upgrade from their lack of depth a year ago. — John Shipley, Jaguar Report

18. Cincinnati Bengals | JC Latham, OL, Alabama  

Latham is a big, strong offensive tackle who should end the Bengals’ search for a long-term option on the right side. At 6'5", 342 pounds, Latham has the size and the strength as a pass protector that the Bengals covet in the offensive line room. He brings high-end talent and stability to an offensive line that needs an injection of youth. — James Rapien, All Bengals

19. Los Angeles Rams | Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

The Rams lost a juggernaut of a pass rusher when Aaron Donald decided to retire. With Latu, the defense can pick right up where it left off, slotting him in as a Day 1 starter. Latu has the elite movement and speed to make him a nightmare matchup for opposing lineman. — James Brizuela, Ram Digest

20. Pittsburgh Steelers | Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa 

DeJean would help short up the Steelers' secondary. / Lily Smith / USA TODAY NETWORK

DeJean fills a hole in the defensive backfield, allowing his versatility to fill the gap at slot cornerback or open the door for Donte Jackson to bounce inside. He could also play safety, allowing players such as Damontae Kazee or DeShon Elliott to move around. — Noah Strackbein, All Steelers

21. Miami Dolphins | Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

The Dolphins could go in several directions with this pick, including trading down, but Murphy’s upside as a disruptive interior pass rusher is too tempting at this spot. The Dolphins signed a lot of defensive tackles in the offseason in the aftermath of Christian Wilkins leaving as a free agent, but most of them are role players as opposed to potential difference-makers such as Murphy. An edge defender or offensive lineman also are possibilities at this spot, with WR Brian Thomas Jr. an option.  — Alain Poupart, All Dolphins

22. Philadelphia Eagles | Amarius Mims, OT Georgia 

The Eagles should take advantage of a loaded offensive tackle class by bolstering an already impressive offensive line. Mims is a raw, 6'8", 340-pound tackle who has all the physical traits and just needs some more reps at the position to reach another tier of production. It’s possible for the young mauler to play some right guard until right tackle Lane Johnson retires or sustains an injury but he’s far from the ideal build. — Scott Neville, Eagles Today

23. Minnesota Vikings | Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois 

The Vikings have several needs on defense, but they could really use a defensive tackle to create pressure in the middle of Brian Flores’s defensive line. Newton, who had 13 sacks and 22.5 total tackles for loss over the past two seasons, fits the bill. At 6'1, 300 pounds, he has a quick get-off and plenty of power in his hands. Newton should start right away for the Vikings alongside nose tackle Harrison Phillips. —Will Ragatz, Inside the Vikings

24. Dallas Cowboys | Graham Barton, OT, Duke

Dallas has multiple needs across its offensive line and the 6'5", 313-pound Barton is versatile enough to play all five positions. The four-year starter at Duke projects to have the most impact in the interior of the Cowboys’ line where his below-average arm length can be managed, and where his smarts and athleticism will make him a solid starter from Day 1. — Chris Pirrone, Cowboys Country

25. Green Bay Packers | Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

The Packers have significant needs on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield. So we’ll go with Guyton, the athletic and potential-packed right tackle who was the Sooners’ blindside protector. While the Packers are fine with standout Zach Tom at right tackle and promising Rasheed Walker at left tackle, there is absolutely no depth. And if the team would like to move Tom to center to challenge Josh Myers, then it would need someone to step in at tackle. So, Guyton is the pick over Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. — Bill Huber, Packer Central

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

Robinson would be a good fit in Todd Bowles's defense. / Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

Robinson has a high motor, impressive bend and has experience dropping into coverage, which head coach Todd Bowles should find pleasing. He needs a little more work with run keys and could have a bit of a deeper bag for pass-rushing moves, but his explosiveness and versatility would make him a strong addition on the other side of Yaya Diaby. — River Wells, BucsGameday

27. Arizona Cardinals | Darius Robinson, DT, Missouri

The Cardinals utilize their second first-round pick on the versatile Robinson, who played both defensive tackle and edge in college. His combo of strength and length will bode well in coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense. — Donnie Druin, All Cardinals

28. Buffalo Bills | Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

The exits of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis mean finding a pass catcher to absorb most of those 100-plus Josh Allen targets. With the 6'4" Williams, the Bills land the Longhorns’ explosive big-play threat, who brings size, speed and the ability to stretch the field, opening up opportunities underneath for Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir, and James Cook. — Chris Pirrone, Bills Central

29. Detroit Lions | Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

The Lions are in need of solidifying their secondary after significant struggles last season. This offseason, general manager Brad Holmes traded for veteran Carlton Davis and signed Amik Robertson. McKinstry was a three-year starter who excelled in man coverage. His athleticism and versatility should translate to a successful career playing outside cornerback in defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s scheme. — John Maakaron, All Lions

30. Baltimore Ravens | Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

It was impossible to pass up adding another first-round talent to Lamar Jackson’s arsenal. A bigger option with incredible hands and solid speed, Thomas joins Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers to round out Baltimore’s receiving core. — Noah Strackbein, Raven Country

31. San Francisco 49ers | Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

McConkey had 30 catches for 478 yards in 2023. / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The best offensive tackles and defensive linemen are off the board, so the 49ers take the best wide receiver available. Jauan Jennings will be a free agent in 2025, plus the 49ers could look to trade Deebo Samuel next year, and there’s no guarantee Brandon Aiyuk will be on the roster when the draft is complete—he could get traded. So wide receiver is a need. And McConkey also runs a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash and returns punts. — Grant Cohn, All 49ers

32. Kansas City Chiefs | Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

The Chiefs find themselves smitten with an undersized speedster who could bring a familiar explosiveness to their offense. Andy Reid can find ways to maximize Worthy’s ceiling while keeping him clean at the pro level. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes would add the best deep-ball receiver he’s had since Tyreek Hill. — Joshua Brisco, Arrowhead Report