2024 NFL Mock Draft: Early 1st-Round Forecast Heading into Week 1

Take an early look at how the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft could shake out.

The long, dark offseason has finally come to an end.

Training camp is over, preseason games are in the books, and we've even had the soft opening of the 2023 college football season.

The first full slate of college action comes this week, followed by Week 1 of the NFL regular season. Now that the real games are here, it's a perfect time to update our early projections for next year's NFL draft.

The 2024 class is highlighted by USC quarterback Caleb Williams, the defending Heisman Trophy winner and projected No. 1 overall pick. But there are plenty of other top prospects to watch on Saturdays this season, and they could spend their Sundays next season playing for your favorite team.

Here's an updated look at how the first round of next year's draft could shake out:

1. Los Angeles Rams

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Caleb Williams | QB | USC

The Cardinals are the popular tank candidate here, but don't you think the Rams would be willing to punt on 2023 to make sure Williams stays in Hollywood? Matthew Stafford will be 36 next season, and he's struggled to stay healthy. After years of throwing their first-round picks after instant-impact stars, the Rams could reset the rebuild, and pass the torch to the Heisman winner.

2. Arizona Cardinals

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Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State

Even if the Cards miss out on Williams, they could still target North Carolina's Drake Maye here, if they want to move on from Kyler Murray for whatever reason. It seems more likely they'll stick with Murray, and instead use this pick on a potential superstar at wide receiver to help him out. Harrison has all the talent to live up to his dad's Hall of Fame name.

3. Tennessee Titans

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Olu Fashanu | OT | Penn State

The Titans could have some big questions next offseason (Derrick Henry, Ryan Tannehill), but the offensive line needs as much help as possible, regardless of what else happens with the roster. Fashanu could have been a top-10 pick in this year's draft, but another year of polish and experience should make him even more ready to be a franchise left tackle at the next level.

4. Las Vegas Raiders

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Drake Maye | QB | North Carolina

Even if Jimmy Garoppolo is able to stay healthy for an entire season, it still might not be enough to make the Raiders competitive this year. If they end up with a top-five pick, finding a franchise quarterback of the (present and) future will be paramount. Maye has all the traits to be a difference-maker at the game's most important position.

5. New England Patriots

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Jared Verse | EDGE | Florida State

Yes, the Pats could be bad enough to pick this high, thanks in large part to a lackluster offense led by a pedestrian quarterback. Getting a top-five slot and missing out on both of this year's blue-chip quarterback prospects would be a nightmare scenario, and instead of reaching for the next-best one, it's far more likely Belichick would prioritize value and defense with a star pass rusher in Verse.

6. Indianapolis Colts

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Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame

The Colts invested a top-five pick this year in a new franchise quarterback, and now it's time to protect him. Alt has NFL bloodlines, and already looks the part of a dominant pass protector. He'll be Anthony Richardson's new favorite person if he lands in Indy, helping accelerate a rebuild behind a dynamic playmaker under center.

7. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)

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Dallas Turner | EDGE | Alabama

Don't be surprised if the Texans aren't quite as bad as many are expecting, which could mean Arizona's extra first-rounder might be outside the top five. Even so, they're able to land a high-upside pass rusher in Turner, who has the explosiveness and playmaking ability to make the most of his opportunity to shine now that Will Anderson Jr. has moved on to the NFL.

8. Denver Broncos

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Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama

Pat Surtain II is already one of the best corners in the league, but I wouldn't put it past Denver to spend their top pick next year finding an upgrade across from him. McKinstry obviously has one of the best names in this year's draft class, but he's also got the skills to back it up, and could quickly develop into a shutdown corner in his own right.

9. Chicago Bears (from CAR)

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JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State

Thanks to this year's trade with the Panthers for the No. 1 overall pick, the Bears could end up with a top-10 selection from Carolina next year. Bolstering their lackluster pass rush should be a top priority, and Tuimoloau has the size and skill set to be a perfect fit in their defense, along with the versatility to slide inside in passing situations.

10. Washington Commanders

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JC Latham | OT | Alabama

Sam Howell and company could surprise some folks this year, and when combined with a solid defense, that could make Washington more competitive than consensus expectations. Their biggest need looking ahead to the offseason is at left tackle, and Latham has the size, power and athleticism to be a dominant presence there.

11. Atlanta Falcons

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Kalen King | CB | Penn State

Another team that already has a young star at corner, but could use an upgrade on the other side of the field, the Falcons need a blue-chip running mate to pair with A.J. Terrell. King was often the Nittany Lions' best corner last season, despite lining up across from Joey Porter Jr., this year's No. 32 overall pick. He looks like a lock to finally be the first Penn State defensive back to be drafted in the first round.

12. Houston Texans (from CLE)

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Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia

The Texans need to give C.J. Stroud as many weapons as possible, and despite getting potential top-five projections earlier in the offseason, this feels like a more realistic range for Bowers. He doesn't have the size or length of a Kyle Pitts, but he still creates matchup problems for opposing defenses, and is a terror after the catch.

13. Green Bay Packers

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Jer'Zhan Newton | DL | Illinois

Offensive tackle is a big need, but in this scenario, there might not be one worth taking. Instead, the Packers could do what they usually do in the first round, and load up on defensive depth. It's hard to find disruptive interior pass rushers, and Newton checks that box in a big way. Packers fans might bemoan another defensive line pick, but he's a stud. 

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Chop Robinson | EDGE | Penn State

Shaq Barrett is coming off a torn Achilles, and he'll turn 31 in November, while 2021 first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has yet to live up to his draft slot. If the Bucs don't take a QB here (either because Mayfield plays well enough to get a new deal, or because they don't like the available options), Robinson would give the pass rush a much-needed boost.

15. Chicago Bears

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Rome Odunze | WR | Washington

Trading for Chase Claypool remains the most puzzling move of Ryan Poles' tenure so far, and it won't be surprising if the Bears go into next offseason still trying to find a big, athletic receiver for Justin Fields alongside D.J. Moore and Darnell Mooney. Odunze is one of the most underrated prospects in this class, with all the traits to be a dominant pass-catcher at the next level.

16. Los Angeles Chargers

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Maason Smith | DL | LSU

The Chargers need to beef up the defensive trenches, and Smith is exactly the kind of massive mauler who would fit the bill. He missed most of last season with a knee injury, and will miss the Bayou Bengals' season-opener due to a silly suspension, but his talent is through the roof. If he delivers on the hype this season, this spot could end up being way too low for him.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

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Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson

Well, the Steelers drafted one son of a Pro Bowl defender this year (Joey Porter Jr.), so why not take another one next time around? Trotter's dad was a star linebacker for years in Philly, and the younger version brings similar playmaking ability to the second level. He's got the range, athleticism and instincts to be a perfect fit for what Pittsburgh's defense needs most.

18. Minnesota Vikings

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Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State

The Vikings won 13 games last year despite having one of the league's worst defenses, and I wouldn't expect similar luck this year without huge improvements on that side of the ball. It'll take more than one offseason to fix, though, and corner looks like it'll still be a top priority next year. Burke has all the talent to prove himself as a first-round talent this season.

19. New Orleans Saints

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Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State

Chris Olave already looks like a star, but even if Michael Thomas is finally able to stay healthy this season, he'll turn 31 next March. The Saints would be wise to target an explosive playmaker to replace Thomas and help take pressure off Olave, and going back to Columbus would be their best bet in this scenario. Egbuka could easily prove to be a top-10 talent, which would make him an absolute steal here.

20. Miami Dolphins

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Cooper Beebe | OL | Kansas State

Tua Tagovailoa has proven he can play at an MVP level when healthy, so keeping him protected should be Miami's top priority. Upgrades at either guard or tackle could be in the cards next offseason, so why not find a prospect who can play either spot at a high level? Beebe would be the ideal fit, and would also bolster a promising ground game under Mike McDaniel.

21. New York Giants

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Xavier Worthy | WR | Texas

If the Giants are going to get the most out of their big investment in Daniel Jones, they desperately need to upgrade the weapons around him. An explosive, big-play pass-catcher like Worthy would be an ideal addition to a passing game that lacked firepower last season, and would help take pressure off the ground game.

22. Detroit Lions

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Leonard Taylor III | DL | Miami (FL)

The Lions have quietly built a strong roster on both sides of the ball, but quality depth along the interior of the defensive front is still a concern. Next year's promising class should give them plenty of attractive options in that department, and Taylor is a well-rounded prospect who can stuff the run and push the pocket as a pass rusher.

23. Baltimore Ravens

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Cooper DeJean | DB | Iowa

The secondary is easily the biggest problem area for Baltimore, and it will continue to sandbag their championship aspirations if they don't address it in a big way. DeJean has impressive size, length and athleticism, with the versatility to line up on the outside, in the slot, or even drop back and play safety.

24. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ)

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Andrew Mukuba | S | Clemson

If the Packers still don't like the offensive tackle options here, they could double-up on defense again this year. This pick is highly likely to go from a second-rounder to a first-rounder if Aaron Rodgers plays enough snaps for the Jets, and Green Bay could use it to fill another big need at safety. Mukuba is a rangy playmaker on the back end who can make big plays in coverage, and bring the hammer downhill against the run.

25. San Francisco 49ers

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Jack Sawyer | EDGE | Ohio State

49ers fans won't want to think about a world without Nick Bosa, but until that long-term extension happens, that possibility is lurking. Even if he stays, you can never have enough talented pass rushers, and San Francisco could go back to Bosa's alma mater to grab another one. Sawyer is a stout defender who can set the edge against the run and push the pocket with power.

26. Seattle Seahawks

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Barrett Carter | LB | Clemson

Bobby Wagner is back, but he's not a long-term solution next to Jordyn Brooks, who still has plenty to prove in the consistency department. Linebacker could easily be Seattle's biggest need next offseason, and the value should line up well at this point in the first round. Carter has the athleticism, range, instincts and intelligence to be a three-down playmaker.

27. Buffalo Bills

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Malik Nabers | WR | LSU

Even if Stefon Diggs remains in Buffalo next season, he'll be 30 years old, and the Bills don't have much in terms of reliable depth behind him. That's not going to bode well for Josh Allen and the Bills' pass-heavy offense, so finding a pass-catcher with WR1 potential should be at the top of their wish list. Nabers is a versatile, explosive playmaker who can turn any touch into a long score.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

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Michael Hall Jr. | DL | Ohio State

Don't look now, but the Jags have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, and it's a big reason why they could be dark-horse Super Bowl contenders this year. In the offseason, reloading depth in the defensive trenches is never a bad idea, and this scenario would give them a fantastic value pick in Hall. He's a versatile defender who can win with speed or power against both the run and pass.

29. Dallas Cowboys

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Raheim Sanders | RB | Arkansas

If there's a spot in next year's first round for a running back, this feels like the one. Tony Pollard is playing the 2022 season on the one-year franchise tender, and there's nothing in terms of proven depth or long-term solutions behind him. Sanders is big, fast, strong, and versatile, with a three-down skill set that helped him average 6.5 yards per carry and nearly 10 yards per reception for the Hogs last year.

30. Cincinnati Bengals

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Kingsley Suamataia | OT | BYU

Signing Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency shored up the left tackle spot, but the Bengals don't have a long-term solution on the other side. Suamataia is a massive blocker with a huge wingspan, and would be the perfect fit at right tackle to keep Joe Burrow protected.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

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Oronde Gadsden II | TE | Syracuse

Travis Kelce will turn 34 in October, and as much as Chiefs fans won't want to admit it, it's time to find an eventual successor to the league's best tight end. The son of an NFL wide receiver, Gadsden is a versatile pass-catcher who could prove to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Learning from Kelce, catching passes from Patrick Mahomes, and playing in Andy Reid's offense sounds like the perfect storm to unlock his full potential at the next level.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

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Bralen Trice | EDGE | Washington

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is addicted to explosive pass rushers, and it's hard to blame him. Don't be surprised if the rich get richer again here, with the Eagles letting the board come to them, and giving them a steal at a premium position. Trice has impressive speed off the edge, but can also win with power and polished technique when necessary.