10 Bold Predictions for the 2024 NFL Draft

On the eve of the first round, SI forecasts how many quarterbacks will go in the first 32 picks, head-turning selections for the Jets and the Cowboys and Dak Prescott's replacement.

Penix will likely be among the six quarterbacks selected in the first round Thursday night. / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Draft is always a mix of the expected selections and the shocking decisions that shape the proceedings.

On Thursday, the Chicago Bears are going to select Caleb Williams of USC with the No. 1 pick. After that? Nothing is certain, except that we know 31 choices are coming before the night ends in Detroit.

But what should we be looking for? Who is going to be picked earlier or later than expected? Where are the strong points of the draft? Which teams are going to hilariously screw up their rookie crops?

Here are 10 predictions where I attempt to figure all of the above out, knowing full well some of these will age like milk in the desert. Let’s party.

10. The Arizona Cardinals will end up with three first-round picks

Arizona enters the draft with the fourth and 27th choices. The Cardinals are in a terrific spot to trade back with a host of teams potentially trying to get quarterbacks Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy at the No. 4 spot. If the Minnesota Vikings are said team, Arizona could wind up with Nos. 11 and 23, along with No. 27.

9. Cam Hart will prove an absolute steal for someone on Day 2

Hart was one of the most impressive players on the field during Senior Bowl week. / Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

At the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., Hart was one of the most impressive kids on the field throughout the week of practice. He is athletic and physical, playing at 6’3” and 202 pounds. He’s an ideal fit for a press-man scheme after being a three-year starter at cornerback in college.

8. The New York Jets will infuriate at least half their fan base 

After all, they’re the Jets. If New York takes tight end Brock Bowers from Georgia, some will scream for an offensive tackle (which, by the way, should be the pick). Of course, there’s the inverse as well. Regardless, Jets fans will be angry, because being angry is both the default and correct emotion for a New York fan over the last 55 years.

7. Dallas Turner and Jared Verse will be the first two defenders selected

While there’s an argument for Laiatu Latu or Quinyon Mitchell, it’s very likely we see a pair of edge rushers going before them in Verse and Turner. Both have a case for top-10 status, and could achieve it, but it’s more likely that only one slides in. 

6. Brandon Aiyuk will remain with the San Francisco 49ers 

If any star is likely on the move during the draft, it’s rising fifth-year wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. However, the 49ers are trying to win the Super Bowl before a host of star players either become free agents or are in need of extensions. San Francisco should keep Aiyuk and load up one more time.

5. Les Snead will sob while making the Los Angeles Rams’ selection on Thursday night

Does GM Les Snead even know the draft has a first round? Los Angeles hasn’t made a first-round pick since 2016, when the Rams traded up and selected Jared Goff with the No. 1 pick. Expect some brutal moments in that $16 million draft house. Snead will turn the card in, then turn away and scream into the void because “f— those picks,” and all that.

4. The Bears will trade out of the No. 9 pick

Once the Bears select Williams, they only have three picks the remainder of the night, including the No. 9 selection. While taking an edge rusher or a receiver such as Rome Odunze would be ideal, moving back for a huge haul (should one be offered) is too much for general manager Ryan Poles to pass on.

Daniels will likely be the second quarterback off the board Thursday night. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

3. Six quarterbacks will be selected in the first round … and three won’t be good

There are going to be a half-dozen quarterbacks selected on Thursday night, ranging from Williams, Jayden Daniels and Maye to McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix. However, history says at least half will be busts. The 2020 class of Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa is beyond a unicorn.

2. At least 10 receivers will be selected in the top 50 choices

Let’s take a shot at who will be off the board before the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock with pick No. 51: Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, Xavier Legette, Ladd McConkey, Ricky Pearsall and Ja’Lynn Polk. If I hit on this, I’m playing Powerball.

The Cowboys could draft a replacement for Prescott. Maybe Rattler is their guy? / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Cowboys take Dak Prescott’s replacement in the first three rounds

Here’s the showstopper. If the Cowboys have a chance to draft Penix when they’re on the clock with the 24th pick, he’s going to Dallas. If the run on quarterbacks completes without the Cowboys having a chance on Thursday night, they’ll take a chance on Spencer Rattler.