2024 NFL Mock Draft: Early 1st-Round Projections Heading into Training Camp
If there are people in your life who think it's way too early for a 2024 NFL mock draft, it might be time to reevaluate those relationships.
It's never too early for such things around here, and with all 32 NFL teams having officially kicked off their training camps in preparation for the upcoming season, it's time for us to take an updated look at how team needs and top prospects could come together at the top of next year's class.
As another glorious football season draws near, here's an updated take on how the first round of the 2024 draft could turn out, using the latest Super Bowl odds to determine the draft order:
1. Arizona Cardinals
Caleb Williams | QB | USC
If the Cards end up with this pick, it likely means things didn't go so well for Kyler Murray in 2023. If they don't stick with Murray and auction this selection to the highest bidder, Arizona could restart the clock at quarterback with last year's Heisman Trophy winner.
2. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)
Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State
The 1992 Indianapolis Colts were the only other team in the modern NFL era to have both of the top two picks in the draft, but the Cards could join them if Houston struggles this year. Pairing the son of a future Hall of Fame pass-catcher with Williams at quarterback would be a dangerous combo.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Olu Fashanu | OT | Penn State
Indy has their franchise quarterback in Anthony Richardson, but he could use an upgrade at left tackle if the Colts want to protect their investment. Fashanu could have been a top-10 pick in this year's draft, but another year of polish and experience could vault him into the top three.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Drake Maye | QB | North Carolina
Tampa Bay only ends up in the top five if the Baker Mayfield/Kyle Trask combo doesn't produce a long-term solution under center. If that scenario plays out, the Bucs would be hoping to land one of this year's top passers, and Maye would be the ideal target with Williams off the board.
5. Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Turner | EDGE | Alabama
The Falcons are still looking for a true difference-maker off the edge, and this spot should give them multiple options to fit the bill. Turner is still more upside than production at this point, but with Will Anderson Jr. moving on to the next level, he should have a chance to prove himself this season.
6. Tennessee Titans
Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia
The Titans could go in any number of directions here, so overall talent has to be the primary target. It's a rare tight end prospect who warrants a top-10 pick, but despite not having the massive frame and length of Kyle Pitts, Bowers is still a monster after the catch, and worthy of consideration this early.
7. Washington Commanders
Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame
A quarterback might be the hope if they're picking in the top 10, but Washington doesn't have any options they're worth considering in this scenario. Instead, they find a franchise left tackle in Alt, who would be a massive bargain outside of the top five.
8. New England Patriots
Jared Verse | EDGE | Florida State
Another team that might need a quarterback, the Pats are also picking too low to land one of the only ones worthy of a top-10 pick right now. Instead, they go with value on defense, adding a polished and productive pass rusher in Verse, who could easily land in the top five by the time next April rolls around.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State
I'd be shocked if the Steelers are picking this high, and it's hard to point out many glaring needs. In this scenario, they have multiple value options that make sense, and giving Kenny Pickett as many weapons as possible would be ideal. Adding Egbuka to George Pickens and Diontae Johnson would be a huge win.
10. Los Angeles Rams
Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama
The Rams need just about everything, as they continue their rebuild after going all-in to win a Super Bowl two years ago. Finding another shutdown corner to fill the void left by Jalen Ramsey's departure would be a good place to start, and McKinstry has all the tools to be that guy.
11. Chicago Bears (from CAR)
JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State
The Bears addressed most of their biggest needs this offseason, but failed to find adequate help for the edges of their defensive front. Tuimoloau would be and ideal fit, with the size and versatility to line up outside or slide inside in certain fronts, matching power with explosiveness.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Kalen King | CB | Penn State
This defense needs help all over the board, but cornerback is especially thin right now, and that spot is vital to the success of new coordinator Brian Flores' scheme. King often outplayed teammate Joey Porter Jr. last year, and should finally give Penn State their first defensive back ever to land in the first round.
13. Las Vegas Raiders
Maason Smith | DL | LSU
Another defense with holes at every level, the Raiders' biggest need is in the trenches, where they need a disruptive force who can reset the line of scrimmage. Smith missed most of last season with a knee injury, but at full strength, can be a dominant force at the point of attack.
14. Green Bay Packers
JC Latham | OT | Alabama
David Bakhtiari has been one of the league's best when healthy, but injuries have been an issue lately, and he'll turn 32 in September. Latham is a massive mauler who can play either tackle spot, and he's been tested against top competition in the SEC.
15. New York Giants
Rome Odunze | WR | Washington
If the Giants are going to make good on their massive investment in Daniel Jones, they're going to need as many weapons as possible to help him through the air. This scenario would be a massive win in that category, as Odunze has all the traits to be a dominant playmaker at the next level, and remains one of the most underrated prospects in this class.
16. Chicago Bears
Cooper Beebe | OL | Kansas State
The Bears made some big upgrades to the offensive line this offseason, but Teven Jenkins at left guard is still a huge question mark. Beebe could be an instant upgrade at that spot, and he's also got the versatility to play tackle.
17. Houston Texans (from CLE)
Xavier Worthy | WR | Texas
Houston has their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud, but he could use more playmakers to maximize his potential. Worthy is a big play waiting to happen on every snap, with the elite speed to beat defenses over the top or after the catch.
18. Denver Broncos
Jer'Zhan Newton | DL | Illinois
Offensive tackle is a possibility if Denver wants an eventual successor for Garett Bolles on the left side, but in this scenario, the better match of need and value comes in the defensive trenches. Newton is an undersized but disruptive defender who could give this front some much-needed juice.
19. New Orleans Saints
Chop Robinson | EDGE | Penn State
The Saints just spent a second-round pick on Isaiah Foskey, but with Cam Jordan turning 35 years old next offseason, they could use another young pass rusher. Robinson is an explosive edge defender with elite first-step quickness and a knack for getting after the opposing quarterback.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson
Bobby Wagner can't play forever, so the Seahawks will need to find a long-term replacement to line up alongside Jordyn Brooks at the second level. The son of a former Pro Bowler by the same name, Trotter has the talent to follow in his dad's footsteps as an NFL star.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Hall Jr. | DL | Ohio State
It's hard to find many glaring holes on this roster, but you can never have too much depth and talent in the trenches on either side of the ball. In this situation, the Jags find the best value on defense, where they land a disruptive force in Hall who can make an immediate impact as a rotational player before earning a full-time starting role.
22. Miami Dolphins
Oronde Gadsden II | TE | Syracuse
The Dolphins have bigger needs elsewhere, but it's hard not to imagine how much fun Mike McDaniel's offense would have with a versatile weapon like Gadsden in the passing game. His dad caught passes for Miami back in the day, and the younger Gadsden has the size and athleticism to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
23. Baltimore Ravens
Donovan Jackson | OL | Ohio State
The Ravens need to protect their investment in Lamar Jackson, so bolstering the offensive line would be a wise decision with their top pick. Jackson is a plug-and-play starter who would give Baltimore an immediate upgrade at left guard.
24. Detroit Lions
Leonard Taylor III | DL | Miami (FL)
The Lions are another promising team with an improving roster that doesn't feature many glaring needs, but they could use some upside along the defensive front. Taylor is a stout run defender with impressive quickness for his size, giving him upside as an interior rusher.
25. Los Angeles Chargers
Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State
Plenty of directions for the Chargers to go here, but the secondary should be a top priority. Ohio State has been churning out talented defensive backs for years now, and Burke has the talent to be the next shutdown corner to come out of Columbus.
26. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ)
Calen Bullock | S | USC
Unless Aaron Rodgers suffers a serious injury this season, the Packers should get an additional first-round pick from the Jets courtesy of their trade for the star quarterback. After addressing their long-term need at offensive tackle earlier in the round, Green Bay bolsters their secondary with a rangy playmaker in Bullock.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Barrett Carter | LB | Clemson
Dallas will be hopeful that DeMarvion Overshown can become a quality starter alongside Leighton Vanderbilt Esch, but if he doesn't flash that potential as a rookie, they could target someone like Carter to fill that void.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Malik Nabers | WR | LSU
The rich get richer here, as the Bengals give Joe Burrow yet another explosive playmaker for the passing game. Nabers flashed big-play ability for the Bayou Bengals last year, and would give Cincy some long-term insurance if they can't re-sign Tee Higgins to an extension.
29. Buffalo Bills
Bralen Trice | EDGE | Washington
This offense needs an early-down running back, but they probably won't spend a first-round pick to get it. Instead, the Bills continue to load up on talented pass rushers with Trice, who has the size, power and explosiveness to quickly develop into a dangerous presence off the edge.
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Andrew Mukuba | S | Clemson
The Eagles are loaded just about everywhere, but safety could prove to be their weakest link this season after offseason departures. Mukuba is a versatile, rangy defender with the ball skills to make big plays in the passing game, and the willingness to mix it up against the run.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Kingsley Suamataia | OT | BYU
With the departure of Mike McGlinchey in free agency this offseason, the 49ers need a long-term replacement at right tackle. Suamataia is a huge blocker with a massive wingspan who could immediately plug into that spot.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Ja'Tavion Sanders | TE | Texas
As much as Chiefs fans won't want to admit it, Travis Kelce can't play forever. He turns 34 in October, and Kansas City would be wise to find his future replacement sooner than later. Sanders will barely be 21 years old next April, and he's got all the tools to be a dynamic playmaker at the next level, especially if he gets to learn first-hand from one of the league's best.