2024 NFL Mock Draft: Early 1st-Round Projections Heading into Training Camp

An early look at how the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft could turn out.
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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

USC quarterback Caleb Williams
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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)

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
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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

Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu
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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

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye
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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

Alabama edge defender Dallas Turner
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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

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers
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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

Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt
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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

Florida State edge defender Jared Verse
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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

Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka
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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

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry
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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)

Ohio State edge defender JT Tuimoloau
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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

Penn State cornerback Kalen King
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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

LSU defensive lineman Maason Smith
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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

Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham
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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

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze
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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

Kansas State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe
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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)

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy
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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

Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton
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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

Penn State edge defender Chop Robinson
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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

Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
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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

Ohio State defensive lineman Michael Hall Jr.
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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

Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II
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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

Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson
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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

Miami defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III
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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

Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke
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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)

USC safety Calen Bullock
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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

Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter
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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

LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers
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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

Washington edge defender Bralen Trice
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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

Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba
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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

BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia
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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

Texas tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders
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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.


Published
Luke Easterling
LUKE EASTERLING

Luke Easterling (he/him) has been covering college football and the NFL for more than two decades, with a particular focus on the nexus of both, the NFL Draft. Writing for some of the largest and most recognizable brands in sports media, Luke's experience and expertise in evaluating potential NFL prospects and evaluating team needs/fits has earned the appreciation of his readers, and the respect of his peers. Luke cut his sports journalism teeth at The Tampa Tribune before spending two years at Bleacher Report as a featured columnist covering the NFL Draft and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Luke then spent nearly seven years at USA TODAY Sports Media Group as editor of Draft Wire and Bucs Wire, building both into authoritative destination sites for their respective audiences. Now at The Arena Group, Luke covers the NFL and college football for Athlon Sports, and runs Sports Illustrated's FanNation site for the NFL Draft. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Luke has been a featured guest on ESPN Radio, CBS Sports Radio, Fox Sports Radio, SiriusXM and more.  Based in Tampa, Florida (the true home of the Cuban sandwich), Luke plays the drums, loves 2000s pop-punk, watches way too many British murder mystery shows, and channels the energy of his deep-south Grammy and his full-Italian Nana in the kitchen. Twitter: @lukeeasterling Email: luke.easterling@si.com